Digestion will be promoted by physical exercise. Useful employment would bring into exercise the enfeebled muscles, enliven the stagnant blood in the system, and arouse the torpid liver to perform its work. The circulation of the blood would be equalized, and the entire system invigorated to overcome bad conditions. Neglecting to exercise the entire body, or a portion of it, will bring on morbid conditions. The bloom of health fades from their cheeks, and disease fastens upon them, because they are robbed of physical exercise, and their habits are perverted generally.
Continued inactivity is one of the greatest causes of debility of body and feebleness of mind.
Inaction of any of the organs of the body will be followed by decrease in size and strength of the muscles, and will cause the blood to flow sluggishly through the blood-vessels. In what contrast to the habits of the active farmer are those of the student who neglects physical exercise. . . . The burden of labor is thrown upon the liver, lungs, kidneys, etc., and these internal organs are compelled to do the work of the skin. The blood is not enabled to expel the impurities as it would if active circulation were induced by exercise. In some cases, want of exercise causes the muscles of the bowels to become enfeebled and shrunken, and these organs that have become enfeebled for want of use will be strengthened by exercise.