Benefits of Being Active
Physical activity is good for every body and is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. There are many ways to get the physical activity your body needs—swimming, gardening, biking, dancing, yoga, walking, mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a stroll, playing with your kids or friends—they all count! Pick something you like to do and get moving.
Strive for 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Your activity can be spread out through the day. Try for 10 minutes at a time, but even a few minutes count.
Five Benefits of Being Active
- Exercise improves your mood and can relieve stress. Physical activity stimulates chemicals in the brain that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You’ll also look better and feel better, which can boost your confidence.
- Active living can prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, osteoporosis and cancer.
- Regular physical activity can help you manage your weight. When you move, you burn calories. Moving a little bit burns a small amount of calories, and moving a lot burns more. Dedicating time to exercising or working out is great, but the regular activities you do throughout your day burn calories too—things like taking the stairs or doing jumping jacks during the commercials of your favorite TV show.
- Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs. Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues in your body, including your heart and lungs. When your heart and lungs are working better, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
- Physical activity can be fun! Exercise doesn’t have to be boring drudgery, and it doesn’t mean you have to hire a personal trainer or get a gym membership. Active living will have the most impact on your health and well-being when you enjoy it. Plus, you’ll be more likely to stick with something you find fun.
