How does exercise help me?

Physical activity and exercise yield a variety of benefits including the following:

Primary Benefit

Secondary Benefit

Improved cardiovascular fitness and health
bullet Stronger heart
bullet Lower heart rate
bullet Better heart stability
bullet Increased oxygen to the brain
bullet  Reduced low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol)
bullet Increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol)
bullet Delays development of cardiovascular disease
bullet Improved circulation
bullet Reduced risk of heart attack
bullet Reduced risk of stroke
bullet ü Reduced risk of high blood pressure
bullet Greater chance to survive heart attacks

Greater lean body mass and less body fat
bullet Less susceptible to disease
bullet Improved appearance
bullet Increased energy
bullet Improved self confidence

Improved strength and muscular endurance
bullet More energy
bullet Lower chance of muscle injury
bullet Reduced risk of lower back problems
bullet Improved sports performance
bullet Quicker recovery after hard work

Bone development
bullet Less chance of osteoporosis
bullet Improved bone mass

Reduced cancer risk
bullet

Reduced risk of colon cancer

bullet Reduced risk of rectal, reproductive, and breast cancers

Reduced risk of diabetes
bullet Lowered chance of adult-onset diabetes
bullet Improved quality of life for Type I diabetics

Reduced mental stress and tension
bullet Relieves depression
bullet Improves sleep
bullet Lowers stress
bullet Improves time at work

Improved stance
bullet Improved posture
bullet Lowered percentage of body fat

Enables healthful aging
bullet Improved ability to function in daily activities
bullet Improves short-term memory
bullet Lowers incidence of illness
bullet Affords greater mobility

Improved flexibility
bullet Provides more energy
bullet Lowers chance of muscle, joint and lower back injuries
bullet Improves sports performance

Other health benefits
bullet Improves symptoms from arthritis, PMS, asthma, and chronic pain
Additional information on the benefits of physical activity and exercise is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/chap4.htm
 

 
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