“Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart” is a quote from boxing champion Gene Tunney (1897-1978) that appeared in the article “It’s More Fun to Be Fit” in the Reader’s Digest in 1942 (and in subsequent years and anthologies). The quotation became popular in the 2000s on Twitter.
 
   
Wikipedia: Gene Tunney
James Joseph “Gene” Tunney (May 25, 1897 – November 7, 1978) was an American professional boxer and the world heavyweight champion from 1926–28. Having defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927, Tunney’s successful title defense against Dempsey remains one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight. Tunney retired as an undefeated heavyweight after his victory over Tom Heeney in 1928.
   
Google Books
The Reader’s Digest
Volume 40
1942
Pg. 20 (“It’s More Fun to Be Fit” by Gene Tunney):
Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart.
 
Google Books
Getting the Most Out of Life:
An Anthology from the Reader’s Digest
Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.
1946
Pg. 73 (“It’s More Fun to Be Fit” by Gene Tunney):
Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart.
 
Twitter
GoodElements‏
@GoodElements  
Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart. - Gene Tunney http://lo.ly/cyk
9:00 PM - 10 Aug 09
 
Google Books
Chicken Soup for the Soul:
From Lemons to Lemonade: 101 Positive, Practical and Powerful Stories about Making the Best of a Bad Situation
By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Amy Newmark
Cos Cob, CT: Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC,
2013
Pg. ?:
Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart. ~Gene Tunney
 
Twitter
Fitness360‏
@Fitness360ME  
“Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart.”- Gene Tunney.
How do you pay tribute to yours? http://fb.me/24wOtoA0f
12:01 AM - 20 Mar 13