The Benefits of Exercise

The Difference between Physical Activity and Exercise
Both regular exercise and increased physical activity add years to your life and life to your years. Health benefits are obtained from increasing the amount of any physical activity you do. The more you do, the greater the benefits. Physical activity is any movement that uses energy. Exercise is physical activity that is structured and is done at a certain intensity for a certain length of time. We engage in physical activity for health benefits if we wish to avoid disease and delay death. We engage in physical activity for fitness benefits in order to improve some components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and body composition).

Long-Term Benefits

• Decreases Risk of Heart Disease: Inactive people are two times more likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) then active people.
  
• Decreases Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Inactive people are two times more likely to develop high blood pressure than active people.
  
• Decreases Body Fat: Regular physical activity helps maintain optimal body weight and composition.
  
• Decreases Cholesterol Level: A high blood cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease. Regular exercise raises the level of "good" cholesterol and lowers the level of the "bad" cholesterol.
  
• Decreases Risk of Diabetes: Physical activity lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and increases glucose uptake for those who already have diabetes. Fit women have diabetes 66% less often than unfit women. Learn more about type 2 diabetes.
  
• Decreases Risk of Cancer: Physical activity lowers the risk of colon and breast cancer.
  
• Decreases Risk of Osteoporosis: Regular exercise delays bone loss and promotes bone formation.
  
• Decreases Arthritis Symptoms: Regular exercise helps keep joints flexible and helps build muscle to support the joint.
  
• Decreases Number of Sick Days: Exercisers feel sick almost 30% less often than non-exercisers.
  
• Decreases Chance of Premature Death: Fit people live longer than unfit people.

Short-Term Benefits
While many people start a physical activity program because of long-term benefits, it’s the short-term benefits that keep them motivated to continue the habit.

• Relaxes and Revitalizes: Physical activity reduces mental and muscular tension, and at the same time, it increases concentration and energy level.
  
• A Break From Daily Routine and Worries: Physical activity is like a mini-vacation—you’re allowed to have fun.
  
• Helps You Feel Good About Yourself: Physical activity increases your self-esteem and self-confidence.
  

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