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The health
benefits associated with regular
exercise are numerous. Specifically,
exercise can help prevent heart disease
and stroke, high blood pressure,
obesity, back pain, osteoporosis. In
addition, it can help fight depression
as well as promote improved stress
management.
To maximize your overall health
benefits, experts typically recommend
that you perform 20 to 30 minutes of
aerobic activity three or more times a
week and some type of muscle
strengthening activity and stretching at
least twice a week. However, you can
also achieve significant health benefits
by completing 30 minutes or more of
moderate-intensity physical activity a
day, at least five times a week.
If you are just beginning an exercise
program, starting at a slow pace with
low-impact activities such as walking or
swimming will allow you to improve your
physical fitness level while
safeguarding you from unwanted overuse
injuries and burnout. Once you get in
better shape, you can gradually
integrate more strenuous and varied
activities into your routine.
Positive Impact of Physical Activity
According to the U.S. Surgeon General,
regular physical activity reduces the
risk of developing or dying from some of
the leading causes of illness and death
in the United States. Further, regular
exercise effectively:
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Reduces the risk of dying from heart
disease.
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Reduces the risk of developing
diabetes.
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Reduces the risk of developing high
blood pressure.
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Helps
reduce blood pressure in people who
already Have high blood pressure.
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Reduces the risk of developing colon
cancer.
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Reduces feelings of depression and
anxiety.
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Helps
control weight.
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Helps
build and maintain healthy bones,
muscles, and joints.
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Helps
older adults become stronger and
better able to move about without
falling.
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Promotes psychological well-being.
The health
benefits of exercise can be achieved by
virtually everyone, regardless of age,
sex, race or physical ability.
Therefore, if you want to feel better,
have more energy and live longer, simply
follow a program of regular, moderate
exercise and enjoy a better quality of
life.
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