1.It’s a natural mood lifter.
Regular
physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression and anger. You know
that "feel good sensation" you get after doing something physical?
Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects! Most people notice they feel
better over time as physical activity becomes a regular part of their lives.
2.It keeps you physically fit and able.
Without
regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to
function properly. It’s like the old saying: you don’t stop moving from growing
old, you grow old from stopping moving. Exercise increases muscle strength,
which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities.
3.It helps keep the doctor
away.
Stand up when you eat your apple a day! Too much sitting and
other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
One study showed that adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day
had an 80% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
4.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!
5.It can help you live longer.
It’s true, 70
is the new 60… but only if you’re healthy. People who are physically active and
at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than those who are not active
and are obese. And the important part is that those extra years are generally
healthier years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and
diseases associated with aging. So active adults maintain their quality of life
and independence longer as they age.
