Why is physically active important

Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. To maintain your weight: Work your way up to minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Strong scientific evidence shows that physical activity can help you maintain your weight over time.

However, the exact amount of physical activity needed to do this is not clear since it varies greatly from person to person. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight requires both regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan. For more information about nutrition, physical activity, and weight loss, visit Healthy Weight. Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Following the recommendations and getting at least minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity can put you at a lower risk for these diseases.

You can reduce your risk even further with more physical activity. Regular physical activity can also lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is some combination of too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, low High Density Lipoproteins HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, or high blood sugar. People start to see benefits at levels of physical activity below the recommended minutes a week. Additional amounts of physical activity seem to lower risk even more.

Already have type 2 diabetes? Regular physical activity can help you control your blood glucose levels. To find out more, visit Diabetes and Me. Being physically active lowers your risk for developing several commonly occurring cancers.

Research shows that adults who participate in greater amounts of physical activity have reduced risks of developing cancers of the:. Improve your quality of life. If you are a cancer survivor, research shows that getting regular physical activity not only helps give you a better quality of life, but also improves your physical fitness.

Learn more about Physical Activity and Cancer. Doing aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening physical activity at a moderately-intense level can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age.

Physically active people have a lower risk of hip fracture than inactive people. Among older adults, physical activity also reduces the risk of falling and injuries from falls. Physical activity programs that include more than one type of physical activity are most successful at reducing falls and fall-related injuries.

It keeps you physically fit and able. It helps keep the doctor away. Being more active can help you: lower your blood pressure boost your levels of good cholesterol improve blood flow circulation keep your weight under control prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis All of this can add up to fewer medical expenses, interventions and medications later in life!

It can help you live longer. Here are some other benefits you may get with regular physical activity: Helps you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free. Boosts your energy level so you can get more done. Helps you manage stress and tension. Promotes a positive attitude and outlook. Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Improves your self-image and self-confidence. Helps you spend more time outdoors. First Name required First Name Required.

Last Name required Last Name Required. Email required Email Required. Zip Code required Zip Code Required. This information may help you identify and beat your roadblocks to physical activity! Learn tips to create a plan to get moving or add more activity to your life. Improve your health Regular physical activity may help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes , heart disease , high blood pressure , and stroke.

If you have one of these health problems, physical activity may improve your condition. Improve your quality of life Regular physical activity also may improve your quality of life right now. Become more active and you may enjoy a happier mood, less stress, and a stronger body.