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Title: Fit To Sail Reading Passage There are numerous health benefits derived from obtaining a desirable level of physical fitness. Being physically fit promotes cardiovascular health, reduces the incidence of cancer, helps to control the effects of harmful stress, promotes weight management, and improves the strength and condition of bones, muscles, and joints. A person who has achieved a level of muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance and who has a healthful body composition is physically fit. There are six kinds of fitness skills. Agility is the ability to change your position or direction quickly. Balance is the ability to keep from falling. Coordination is the ability to use two or more body parts at the same time to do a task. Power is the ability to use muscular strength to do an activity. Reaction time is the length of time you require to move after you have heard a signal. Speed is the ability to move quickly. Good physical condition adds to the enjoyment of sailing. Trimming sails, hiking out, and adjusting to the constant motion of a boat can tax strength and endurance. The best form of physical preparation for sailing is aerobic (heartbeat) and anaerobic (lifting/pulling) exercise. The exercise program should be tailored to your age, physical condition and should include warm up and cool down periods. Flexibility exercises are also beneficial, as sailing requires movements in many unusual positions. Stretching before and after sailing helps minimize stiffness and discomfort. A well balanced diet also helps on-the-water performance. Endurance and concentration are directly related to nutritional intake. An active sailor may need more than 3,000 calories a day. A good diet will have a balance of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. Drinking before and during sailing is recommended to avoid dehydration. |
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