Researchers have found that tai chi could slow down Parkinson’s disease by years. Tai chi, with its slow movements,     1     (know) to benefit physical and mental well-being. The researchers     2     (conduct) a five-year study on people with Parkinson’s. They discovered that the condition became worse     3     a slower speed in those who practiced tai chi. They observed fewer falls, and     4     (little) dizziness (头晕) and back pain in the tai chi practitioners. They also noted that the cognitive function of the test participants who     5     (regular) practiced tai chi became worse more slowly.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder     6     (affect) the nerves and muscles. It steadily causes uncontrollable movements,     7     symptoms (症状) include shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance. People with Parkinson’s may have difficulties walking and talking. One of the most famous people with Parkinson’s was Muhammad Ali,     8     heavyweight boxing champion. The researchers suggest that tai chi is one of the most helpful ways     9     (keep) symptoms of Parkinson’s at bay. They said: “The long-term     10     (benefit) effect of tai chi on Parkinson’s could extend the time without disability, leading to a higher quality of life, a lower burden for caregivers and a reduction in drug use.”

3 . One of the first things that Harvard University professor Daniel E.Lieberman points out in his new book Exercised is the double meaning of the word. Not only does it mean voluntary physical activity,but as an adjective,exercised suggests being worried, anxious or tired.And there lies the problem with exercise. Most of us just don't like doing it.

Lieberman pursues a double course in"Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do ls Healthy and Rewarding'". The professor presents an in-depth look at how humans evolved from hunter-gatherers who didn't have to think twice about getting enough exercise, to those of us who have to push ourselves away from our couches and devices. The parts of the book devoted to biology and evolution can be a bit hard to understand, although Lieberman often introduces them nicely with anecdotes.

Throughout his book, Lieberman discusses the origins of exercise, a modern pursuit.In the 1700s, Samuel Johnson didn't consider the words"play"and"exercise"worthy to be included in his dictionary. Although children have always played and sports have been a "human universal,exercise outside the context of sports was extremely rare until relatively recently, Lieberman writes. He also considers various contemporary forms of exercise and their benefits: running (which he does), walking, dancing, weight training, games and even cage fighting. He drops in on a Swedish company in Stockholm whose CEO requires a weekly "sports hour"to be participated in by all employees.

However, Lieberman's primary viewpoint- that exercise is indeed good for you-comes with an important warning.It must be enjoyable.The paradox（矛盾的情况），he writes，"is that our bodies never evolved to function optimally（最佳地）without lifelong physical activity but our minds never evolved to get us moving unless it is necessary, pleasurable or rewarding.

Exercise,he writes should be social."None of us is an island when it comes to health. Our well-being is interconnected. Some is better than none.Keep it up as you age."

5 . Before the dark cloud cast a shadow over my life, I was a 39-year-old woman who enjoyed traveling, listening to jazz music and reading. Then my whole life changed. On November 10th 2019, I awoke from sleep with the worst headache of my life. I was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with brain aneurysm (动脉瘤)! After emergency surgery, I lay on the bed feeling shocked and lost. Yet, I knew I had to face the music.

Nine months later, my doctor recommended I start cycling to help flood my brain with oxygen, which benefited my physical recovery. I hadn’t used one in almost two decades, so I was scared. However, with the support of my wonderful cheerleader, Brian, my husband, I got on a bike cautiously. After only three minutes, I was tired and my hands were shaking. I felt powerless and wanted to give up, but Brian encouraged me with smiling eyes. I rode for a few minutes, stopped to rest and rode again. Little by little I could ride continuously for ten minutes! My husband joked I deserved the first prize!

Now, I ride whenever I have the energy. Usually, I get on the bike a few times a week. Last year I participated in a benefit ride for the local school. I enjoy traveling internationally, but haven’t had the opportunity to do so since my surgeries. I hope to one day be able to ride in another country. Until then, though, I’ll participate annually in the Good Old Summertime Classic and continue my local routes.

Biking not only restores my body but also my soul. It feels empowering to take charge of my body and life again. I know I will ride on.