Physical fitness requires exercise and proper nutrition. While exercise produces few special nutrition needs, it greatly increases the importance of a well-balanced diet. (JOW)

This article identifies 10 exercises generally considered to have the greatest potential for causing neck, back, or knee problems. Insufficient research prevents general agreement on the extent of risk associated with certain exercises or on the most susceptible individuals. (IAH)

This article presents an explanation of the benefits of exercises done in the water and describes several water fitness programs implemented by an Oklahoma YMCA center. Water walking is described, and guidelines and cautions are given to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of this form of exercise. (IAH)

Examines the need for exercise intensity to become physically fit, concluding that intensity is not important for improving health, only for improving performance. What is important is routinely performing some sort of exercise. (GLR)

This article describes successful efforts by physical education teachers at Elberton Elementary School (GA) to construct an affordable pull-up board that could be used to help improve students' arm and upper body strength. An explanation is given of how to use the machine, and the benefits to students are briefly discussed. (IAH)

A restaurant may be an easier place to maintain a wellness plan than at home or at a party. The first step in power eating is to overcome any hesitation or embarrassment in requesting something out of the ordinary. Some suggestions for choosing healthy restaurant dishes are provided. (MLW)

Appropriate physical conditioning can improve the physical and psychological health of pregnant students, ease delivery, aid recovery, and contribute to fetal health. This article discusses the importance of exercise during pregnancy, effects of exercise on maternal and fetal systems, and outlines precautions and guidelines for an exercise plan.…

As chair of the New York State Council of School Superintendents' Wellness Committee for the past six years, the author is often asked how to begin a program of wellness and stay with it. Based on personal experience, he provides tips about cardiovascular fitness activities, regimens, information sources, and motivational aids. (MLH)

Article proposes concepts that could be the basis for fitness attitudes and practices for all people regardless of skill, age, or expertise. An intrinsic definition of fitness highlights the importance of exercise and relaxation to fitness, integration of the whole self, and acceptance of self based on inherent worth. (SM)

This paper traces the history of the development of formal training for physical education teachers. The evolution of physical fitness training in American schools is discussed from its inception in the early 1800s, when the concept of the union of bodily health and academic achievement was first emphasized by German immigrants to the United…

The article focuses on the merits of a comprehensive, medically-oriented health maintenance/risk assessment program, and suggests that such conditions as heart disease, cancer, and arteriosclerosis can be prevented or postponed through proper nutrition, weight control, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management. (Author/CB)

A recent trend in community recreation programing is to implement special fitness programs for the disabled. However, physical fitness programing should present the opportunity for the disabled individual to move toward his optimal level of functioning and to return to a normal healthful lifestyle. (JN)

Precautionary measures that should be taken by individuals to provide for safer participation in a vigorous exercise program are outlined, including the need for physical examinations, physical conditioning and warm-up, proper clothing and equipment, and awareness of environmental hazards. (JMF)

Emphasizing cardiovascular fitness may be a barrier to mobilizing the sedentary individual. Instead, encouraging low-level physical activity may be an effective first step. Beliefs held toward cardiovascular fitness are presented, and ways in which these beliefs may present barriers to adoption of any level of physical activity are discussed. (IAH)

Wellness is a lifelong process that must be updated constantly to maintain a high quality of life. Only the individual determines the path to total wellness. Restructuring lifestyle (eating habits, physical activity, attitudes) and understanding what it takes to be healthy take time. Evidence indicates that corporate wellness initiatives are…