Benefits of Physical Activity
 

The evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.

Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week.

Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. 25% of adults are not active at all in their leisure time. Activity decreases with age and is less common among women than men and among those with lower income and less education.

Benefits of regular Physical Activity According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

· Reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular.

· Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance

· Helps build healthy bones, muscles and joints

· Helps control weight

· Reduces anxiety and stress

· Increases self-esteem

· May improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

· Positive experiences with physical activity at a young age help lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life

· Reduces falls among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis

· It is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications.