Regular exercise and physical activity are extremelyimportant and advantageous for long-term health and well-being.

For a comprehensive resource, see “Physical Activity and Health – A Report of the Surgeon General.”

Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity

• Decrease the risk of premature death

• Decrease the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease

• Decrease high blood pressure (BP) or the risk of developing high blood pressure (BP)

• Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol

• Lower the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer

• Decrease the risk of developing diabetes

• Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat

• Build and maintain healthful muscles, bones, and joints

• Lower depression and anxiety

• Improve psychological well-being

• Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance

Links to other Health Organizations

The American Cancer Society

The American Heart Association

The American Diabetes Association

National Institutes of Health

Advantages of Aerobic Exercise

• Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)

• Improvement in cardivascular/cardiorespiratory function (heart and lungs)

o Increased maximal cardiac output (amount of blood pumped every minute)

o Increased maximal stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each beat)

o Increased blood volume and ability to carry oxygen

o Lowered workload on the heart (myocardial oxygen consumption) for any given submaximal exercise intensity

• Increased blood supply to muscles and ability to use oxygen

• Lower heart rate and blood pressure (BP) at any level of submaximal exercise

• Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation

• Lower resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure

• Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol)

• Reduced blood triglycerides

• Lowered body fat and improved weight control

• Improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance

Advantages of Weight Training

• Increased muscular strength

• Increased strength of tendons and ligaments

• Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)

• Reduced body fat and increased lean body mass (muscle mass)

• Potentially lowers resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure

• Positive changes in blood cholesterol

• Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity

• Improved strength, balance, and functional ability in older adults