Man's employment, as seen in the original design is also worthy of notice. "And the Lord God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." (Genesis 2:15). Man was designed for activity in the open light of the sun and the free air of heaven. These conditions were important to the joys of his existence. The subsequent curse upon Adam was not in that he should labour, but that his labours should be attended with difficulties. Exercise is essential for the body. Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is necessary to a healthful circulation of the blood. It is the surest safeguards against colds, coughs, congestion of the brain and lungs, inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other diseases.

 

 

Exercise aids the digestion. When we engage in severe study or violent physical exercise immediately after eating, it hinders the work of digestion; but a short walk after a meal, with the head erect and the shoulders back, is a great benefit.

 

 

 

Walking

 

There is no exercise that can take the place of walking. By it the circulation of the blood is greatly improved.... Walking, in all cases where it is possible, is the best remedy for diseased bodies, because in this exercise all of the organs of the body are brought into use.—Testimonies for the Church 3:78. – {HL 129.5}

571. When the weather will permit, all who can possibly do so ought to walk in the open air every day, summer and winter.... A walk, even in winter, would be more beneficial to the health than all the medicine the doctors may prescribe. For those who can walk, walking is preferable to riding. The muscles and veins are enabled better to perform their work. There will be increased vitality, which is so necessary to health. The lungs will have needful action; for it is impossible to go out in the bracing air of a winter’s morning without inflating the lungs.—Testimonies for the Church 2:529. – {HL 130.1}– HL 129.5