The health benefits associated with regular exercise are numerous. Specifically, exercise can help prevent heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, back pain, osteoporosis. Being physically fitter also helps your management of stress, making you feel better therefore reducing depression.
To maximize your overall health benefits, experts typically recommend that you perform 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or more times a week and some type of muscle strengthening activity and stretching at least twice a week. However, introducing 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity a day, five times a week in to your life will show a big improvement in your overall health and the benefits that go along with being fitter.
If you are just beginning an exercise program, starting at a slow pace with low-impact activities such as walking or swimming will allow you to improve your physical fitness level while safeguarding you from unwanted overuse injuries and burnout. Build yourself and your routines slowly, as you get fitter make your workouts tougher and test yourself.
Positive Impact of Physical Activity
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States.
Further, regular exercise effectively:
Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
High blood pressure is less of a risk.
Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
Another added advantage is reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
Helps control weight.
Helps maintain a healthy body strengthening muscles, joints and bones.
Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
Promotes psychological well-being.
The health benefits of exercise can be achieved by virtually everyone, regardless of age, sex, race or physical ability. Therefore, if you want to feel better, have more energy and live longer, simply follow a program of regular, moderate exercise and enjoy a better quality of life.