Physical activity is essential to maintaining and improving health. The human body was designed to move, yet being active throughout the day is an increasing challenge in modern lifestyles. In the United States, only half of adults get the amount of daily exercise recommended to reduce and prevent chronic diseases, even though one in two adults lives with a chronic disease. Staying physically active can have profound benefits at every stage of life, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or current fitness level.
Health Benefits of Physical Activity
Exercise has immediate and long-term benefits to both physical and mental health for healthy individuals, people at risk of developing chronic diseases and people with chronic conditions or disabilities. In the short-term, regular physical activity reduces anxiety and blood pressure and improves sleep. It can elevate mood, increase energy and give people a chance to have fun with friends and family.
The long-term benefits of regular exercise extend beyond calorie balance and weight maintenance. Physical activity has a wide-ranging impact on health:
Lower risk of early death
Lower risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and stroke
Improved cholesterol
Improved aerobic capacity and muscle strength and endurance
Improved brain health and cognition
Reduced risk of falls
Regular exercise has also been shown to positively affect digestion and prevent the normal decline of metabolism that occurs as part of the aging process. Exercise helps maintain lean muscle mass; replacing inactive fat stores with active lean muscle mass allows extra calories to be burned even when sedentary. Physical activity has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can keep blood sugar in a healthy range Types of Physical Activity
The best kind of physical activity for an individual is one that can be sustained and enjoyed. It is important to incorporate different types of physical activity to obtain the most benefits from exercise:
Aerobic or Cardiovascular Exercise: Aerobic activities improve heart and lung health, increase stamina, decrease body fat and improve circulation. Walking, jogging, bicycling, climbing stairs, dancing and swimming are all aerobic.
Strength or Weight Training: Strength or weight training increases muscle mass, boosts metabolism, improves balance and makes bones stronger. Strength training can be done at home or in a gym.
Stretching: Stretching eases movement, improves flexibility and prevents muscle strain and injury. Stretching also helps the body warm up before exercise.
Balance: Activities that challenge stability help maintain posture and can prevent falls.
Types of Physical Activity
The best kind of physical activity for an individual is one that can be sustained and enjoyed. It is important to incorporate different types of physical activity to obtain the most benefits from exercise:
Aerobic or Cardiovascular Exercise: Aerobic activities improve heart and lung health, increase stamina, decrease body fat and improve circulation. Walking, jogging, bicycling, climbing stairs, dancing and swimming are all aerobic.
Strength or Weight Training: Strength or weight training increases muscle mass, boosts metabolism, improves balance and makes bones stronger. Strength training can be done at home or in a gym.
Stretching: Stretching eases movement, improves flexibility and prevents muscle strain and injury. Stretching also helps the body warm up before exercise.
Balance: Activities that challenge stability help maintain posture and can prevent falls.
https://www.healthyeating.org/nutrition-topics/general/lifestyle/physical-activity