A STRONG BODY

THE HUMAN BODY thrives on exercise. It is meant to be llsed. Opportunities for daily exercise are everywhere. Walking, jogging, bicycling, and working around the house are all good. So are the canoeing, backpacking, swimming, and climbing you might do on Scout outings. You might already take part in team sports at school or on neighborhood leagues. The key to exercise is that it must be regular. Get in a routine of playing hard or working out at least three times a week. Once you have started, you will come to enjoy it so much that you won't ever want to miss a chance to be active.

STRETCHING Before beginning a sports event, an exercise routine, a hike, or any other physically challenging activity, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to stretch. Stretching relaxes the tendons and ligaments of your joints. It warms the muscles and gets them ready to work. It makes your body more flexible and lessens the chance of injury. Stretching after an activity can help prevent stiffness and soreness in your muscles and joints. lly the following stretches, doing each with just enough effort to put a little strain on your muscles. Stretch without bouncing. At first you might feel tight, but over time your range of motion will increase.