Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Good health doesn’t just happen. It is the result of healthy living each day.  According to recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association, “Every adult should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity

 

physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.”

 

Cardiovascular Disease

Regular physical activity protects against the development of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and helps to control other factors that may put a person at increased risk, including high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and obesity.

Strength

Regular physical activity helps keep muscles active, maintaining – if not building – strength.

Bone Health

Regular physical activity helps build strong bones and also protects bones from becoming weak later in life. Activities considered to be “weight bearing” play an especially important role in the bone regeneration process. Any physical activity that includes running, jumping, walking, or weight-lifting stimulates bones to rebuild more rapidly, helping to prevent osteoporosis – a thinning of the bones.

Mood

Regular physical activity decreases feelings of anxiety and depression. It enhances mood and helps you feel happier. This may be due partly to the affect of chemicals released in the brain when you exercise.

Weight Management

Your body’s ability to burn calories is highly influenced by your level of physical activity and

the amount of muscle produced as a result of regular exercise. As muscle mass increases, your body can burn calories more efficiently.

Cancer

Regular physical activity has been associated with a reduction in risk factors that may cause cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the risk of cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, lung, and lining of the uterus may all be reduced by engaging in regular physical activity.

 

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