Benefits of Physical Activity

For adults (18 to 64 years of age), physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of over 25 chronic conditions, including:

• Coronary heart disease;
• Stroke;
• Hypertension;
• Breast cancer;
• Colon cancer;
• Type 2 diabetes; and
• Osteoporosis.

Regular physical activity can improve your overall sense of well-being and it has so many other benefits. It can help you in achieving the following:

• Healthy growth and development;
• Stronger muscles and bones;
• Maintain or improved body weight;
• Improved mental health (morale and self esteem);
• Increased ability to manage stress; and
• Increased energy.

Physical activity can be incorporated into daily routines: on your way to work or school, during a lunch break, after dinner, or whenever you need a boost of energy!

Try the following tips for fitting physical activity into your life:

• Find others to join you in physical activity. The company will give you encouragement and will keep the activities interesting and fun!
• Keep a list of physical activities you enjoy doing.
• Set achievable goals so you stay motivated!
• Walk or bike for transportation.
• Decrease time spent sitting in front of computer screens or the TV.

If you have a health condition or have not been physically active recently, be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider before starting a new physical activity program or increasing the intensity of your exercise.