Activity and Exercise

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 (cardio respiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and body composition).

Long-Term Benefits

Decreases Risk of Heart Disease Inactive people are 2x more likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) then active people.
Decreases Blood PressureHigh blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Inactive people are 2x more likely to develop high blood pressure then active people.
Decreases Body FatRegular physical activity helps maintain optimal body weight. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Decreases Cholesterol LevelA 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 DiabetesPhysical 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.
Decreases Risk of CancerPhysical activity lowers the risk of colon and breast cancer.
Decreases Risk of OsteoporosisRegular exercise delays bone loss and promotes bone formation.
Decreases Arthritis SymptomsRegular exercise helps keep joints flexible and helps build strong muscles.