This article considers the validity of the widely-held notion that exercising for physical fitness also reduces stress. The ways in which researchers define "stress" and "fitness" are described. Several researchers comment on the subject and various research projects are discussed. (JL)

Stress is a part of the normal process of growing and developing for children. A stress situation is composed of anxiety and stress. If coping strategies are inadequate, depression can result. Four categories of stress include time, anticipatory, situational, and encounter stress. It is important to recognize unsuccessful defense mechanisms…