PTR REET 9

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
FOR MEN

Physical Education Requirements
for University Men

A NATION AT WAR

The war has focused attention on the importance of
good health and motor fitness for every American citizen.
Modern warfare demands sturdy, rugged individuals, ca-
pable of exerting enormous physical effort over a long
period of time. A high degree of balance, flexibility,
agility, strength, power and endurance is needed to sup-
plement courage to meet and defeat the enemy. The
standards of health and motor fitness acceptable when
the Nation was at peace are not adequate now that the
Nation is at war.

The University of Illinois, cognizant of the fact that
most of its men students will soon be called to military
service, has stepped-up its physical education requirement
in line with these new needs. It is interested in helping
every student raise his level of physical fitness so as to
prepare all for quick and efficient service when called. The
new regulations for required physical education are cen-
tered in classifying and guiding students in physical edu-
cation according to their needs with foremost consideration
being given to physical fitness and skills essential to mili-
tary effectiveness. This folder is designed to acquaint
students with this new plan.

ARE YOU PHYSICALLY FIT?

Vigorous activities in the following areas are recom-
mended for conditioning for modern warfare: aquatics,
athletic games, combatives, gymnastics, individual athletics,
outdoor sports, etc. Good condition now means that you
will be in the best possible physical and mental condition
when you enter the service. A high degree of physical fit-
ness is especially necessary in candidates for commission.
In addition, a good physique, a high level of circulatory-
respiratory condition and swimming ability are essential
for physical efficiency.

WHAT IS MOTOR FITNESS?

Motor Fitness is a phase of physical fitness. It is
“motor ability’ or the “ability to perform human activi-
ties.” It includes (1) endurance, (2) power, (3) strength,
(4) agility, (5) flexibility, and (6) balance. It refers to
and emphasizes the fundamental or gross big body move-
ments dominated by muscular energy, kinesthetic sense,
and suppleness of the major tissues and joints.

Motor Fitness means the capacity for efficient per-
formance in the basic requirements of running, jumping,
dodging, throwing, falling, climbing, swimming, lifting
weights, carrying loads, and enduring under sustained
effort in a variety of situations. Quick and efficient con-
trol of the body in an emergency situation may save the
life of one individual or many.