PHYSICAL EXERCISE

With a burst of enthusiasm, millions of adults are determined to get in shape and gymnastics is rapidly becoming the most popular form of exercise.

People are coming to realize that if you are not well, none of the rest matters. The exercise boom is more than a change in life styles. It reflects a rising global concern with health in general. Having removed physical exercise from countless daily activities, many people feel a greater need to give release to the accumulated stresses and pressures of everyday life. Automation and high technology have had much to do with it.

Sports and games are also of great value, especially to people who work with their brains most of the day. They should not be treated only as amusements. They make our bodies strong, prevent us from getting too fat and keep us healthy. Besides that, sports and games are very useful for character-training. They teach people principles such as discipline, determination and self-control.

(Adapted from Further Comprehension and Précis for Overseas Students by L. A. Hill and R. D. S. Fielden; Newsweek, September, 1984)

VOCABULARY

A-amusement: diversão – automation: automação -
B- boom: aumento(de atividade) – burst: explosão, manifestação repentina – brain: cérebro – burn: queimar -
C- change: mudança – concern: interesse – countltess: incontável -
D- daily: diariamente -
E- everyday life: vida diária -
F- fat: gordo -
G- get in shape: ficar em forma – give release to: aliviar -
I- in general: em geral -
K- keep: guardar-
L- life styles: estilos de vida – lazier: mais preguiçoso
M- matter: importar-
N- none: nenhum –
P- pressure: pressão – principle: princípio –
R- realize:compreender - rising: crescente, progressivo –
S- self-control: domínio sobre si mesmo –
T- training: treinamento –
V- value: valor