Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity performed on most days improves health in the following ways:

• Reduces the risk of premature death
• Reduces the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
• Reduces high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduces high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes
• Reduces or maintain body weight or body fat
• Builds and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Improves psychological well-being
• Enhances work, recreation and sport performance

What is a sufficient amount of Physical Activity?
A moderate amount of physical activity can be achieved in a variety of ways:

• People of all ages should include a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity on most days of the week.
• Cardio respiratory endurance activity should be supplemented with strength-developing exercises at least twice per week for adults.
• People can select activities that they enjoy and that fit into their daily lives. Because 'amount of activity' is a function of duration, intensity and frequency, the same amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as brisk walking) as in shorter sessions of more strenuous activities (such as running).

Source: www.healthclubs.com