Salt Lake Tribune | 1919-11-03 | Page 6 | Physical Fitness

PHYSICAL FITNESS. Based upon the outcome of a physical physi-cal examination of 450 freshmen students stu-dents at Lehiph university. Professor R. H. Reiter, director of physical education edu-cation at that school, announces that the stress placed upon bodily vigor during the war has already produced marked results among American youths. Many of the 450 lads examined at Lehigh were in service abroad or in war camps in this country and they plainly show the benefits of exercise and simple diet. Professor Reiter as- berts that the Lehigh freshman class is "distinctly above the average' and the same no doubt holds truo in other colleges and universities. In the new system of examination at Lehigh the strength test formerly employed em-ployed has been eliminated. Bulging muscles are no longer regarded as evidence evi-dence of good health. A certain development de-velopment of muscle, of course, is desirable, de-sirable, but too much, as follows upon machine exercise in the gymnasium, is a detriment, says the Lehigh director. "Wo are encouraging participation in competitive athletics, particularly out-of-door games, where the elements of team work and pleasure are most prom inent, " he adds. "This sort of exercise exer-cise produces the best muscle and the greatest physical health." Professor Reiter has evolved a new system of health notation, which in eludes a place for the results of psychological psy-chological tests, and each new class will be followed through the entire four years of its school life. Much good is expected from this combination ofbod-ily ofbod-ily and mental record keeping. It is designed to show weak points as wel as strong ones. There is no doubt that the attitude of the government towards athletic exercise ex-ercise during tho war has bad the ft feet of causing many educational in stitutions to extend their programs of physical education. Undoubtedly, the cumulative effect of such a course will be a wholesome one upon the wholo American people, and especially upon those who are jttat coming to the estate of manhood and womanhood.