10 Reasons To Exercise

There are at least 10 reasons to exercise or engage in other physical activity. According to the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine, healthy adults should engage in moderate intensity exercise or activity for at least 30 minutes five days a week. Moderate intensity exercise and activities include walking at a brisk pace, housecleaning, and waiting tables. A health care professional should be consulted prior to starting a new exercising program, especially if the person has a history of heart disease or diabetes, is obese, is pregnant, is disabled or has suffered an injury.

1. Exercising can decrease a person's risk for premature death by adding up to four years to their life span.
2. Exercise decreases the risk of developing health conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, heart attack, cancer or diabetes.
3. Exercise prevents against developing high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
4. Exercise helps to increase muscle strength and endurance. Good muscle strengthening exercises include weight lifting, push-ups and sit-ups.
5. Exercise improves mental health by decreasing the risk for depression and improving cognitive function.
6. Stretching after exercising helps to increase flexibility. It is important to stretch after exercise because the muscles are warmed up, decreasing the chance of injury.
7. Exercise can help a person reach and maintain a healthy weight, especially when combined with consuming a healthy diet.
8. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep function when done on a regular basis.
9. Exercise decreases the risk of developing osteoarthritis, a pain disorder that affects the body's joints.
10. Increased strength from exercise reduces the risk of falls in older adults.

References:

American Heart Association

Women's Health.gov

Physical Activity Guidelines