They say, "Health is above wealth." One of the first duties we owe to
ourselves is to keep our bodies in perfect health. If your body suffers
from any disorder, our mind suffers with it, and we are unable to make
much progress in knowledge, and we are unfit to perform those duties,
which are required of us in social life.
There are certain laws of health which deserve particular
attention and they are so simple that even a child can learn them. A
certain amount of exercise is necessary to keep the body in perfect
condition. All the powers (mental and bodily) we possess are
strengthened by use and weakened by disuse. Moderation in eating and
drinking, reasonable hours of labour and study, enough sleeping time
(not less than 7-8 hours a day), regularity in exercise, recreation and
rest, cleanliness lay the foundations for health and long healthy happy
life.
Thousands of people consider sports to be very helpful in gaining
good health. That's why every country pays much attention to developing
sports. It is sport that helps to bring up physically strong,
strong-willed, courageous and energetic people.
In the last ten years recreational sport has become extremely
popular, and, according to doctors is absolutely essential for a long
and healthy life.
The reasons of this enormous interest in sport of all kinds are
varied. When you ask people why they spend so much time, effort, and
sometimes money, they will talk about the physical benefits (feeling
fit, increasing stamina, sleeping better, the chance of living a more
active life), psychological benefits (self-discipline and respect, a
sense of personal achievement, relaxation, getting rid of aggression),
and the social advantages (meeting people with similar interests, the
team spirit). However, the social aspect seems to be more important for
men than for women. Very often, enjoying a drink with friends after the
match is as important for the former as a physical activity itself. The
latter generally see sport as a way of keeping fit rather than anything
else.
Of course, some people don't consider sport to be a hobby; it is
an everyday work for them. Much is spoken now about problems in
professional sport. There is a lot drug taking in sport. There is too
much pressure on young sports people. Mountaineering and air sports such
as hang-gliding, each kill at least 16 people every year. In one Sports
Council study of 28,000 people, football was found responsible for more
than a quarter of 2,000 injuries seen every year. But still many people
are involved in professional sport and millions of people can not live
without it. They prefer watching sporting events rather than taking part
in them. They are so-called sport-fans. They pack stadiums during sport
matches and competitions, they sit glued to the TV, and they are ready
to give every moral support to their favourite sportsmen or teams.
In the meantime thousands of ordinary people devote their spare
time to going in for sports. They play indoor and outdoor games:
volleyball, basketball, table tennis, hockey, lawn tennis. The number of
participants and spectators show that the most popular games are
basketball, hockey and, of course, football. A lot of people go in for
track-and-field athletics, cycling, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics and so
on.
Hockey, figure skating, skiing and skating are among the most
popular winter sports. In summer swimming is enjoyed by millions of
people. There are also many indoor swimming pools, which makes swimming
possible all the year round. Cycling is a useful exercise, too, because
it takes you out into the fresh air and gives much work to all the
muscles. So if you arrange your day correctly you can find an
opportunity for sports.
Physical training is an essential part of young people's
development. All pupils and students have regular training at PT
lessons. These classes are enjoyed by everybody as they give a lot of
energy, develop muscles, make pupils strong, quick and healthy. From
time to time different kinds of competitions are organized at school or
between schools. The most popular sports at school are basketball,
football and volleyball. Besides, pupils and students attend a lot of
sports clubs and sports sections after classes, where they take up their
favourite kind of sport.
Indeed, sport is a part of everyday life of many generations all
other the world. So if you think that physical fitness and health are
important you are to go in for sports.
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