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Home 2. Healthy Living 3. Fitness 4. Fitness Basics 5. Why is physical activity so important for health and wellbeing? Search ____________________ Search Why is physical activity so important for health and wellbeing? woman stretching There are so many reasons why regular activity boosts your health. Read to learn what those are and how you can incorporate exercise into your day. We know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy. But did you know it can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life? Here are just a few of the ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live better. Because, why not? 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. * Provides fun ways to spend time with family, friends and pets. * Helps you spend more time outdoors or in your community. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal. So, this is easy! Just move more, with more intensity, and sit less. You don’t have to make big life changes to see the benefits. Just start building more activity into your day, one step at a time. beautiful family playing outdoors Receive healthy living tips and be Healthy for Good™! NOTE: All fields required unless indicated as optional. First Name (required) First Name Required ____________________ Last Name (required) Last Name Required ____________________ Email (required) Email Required ____________________ Zip Code (required) Zip Code Required ____________________ By clicking the sign up button you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. (BUTTON) Sign Me Up! __________________________________________________________________ Last Reviewed: Jan 14, 2017 * Fitness * Fitness Basics + Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults + Warm Up with Cool-Weather Workouts + Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children + Recommendations for Physical Activity in Kids Infographic + American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity Infographic + Balance Exercise + Endurance Exercise Aerobic + Flexibility Exercise Stretching + How to Keep Cool During Warm Weather Workouts + Is your workout working? Infographic + Keeping Your Feet Happy and Pain-Free Infographic + Make Every Move Count Infographic + Move more for Whole Body Health Infographic + Move More Month + Preventing Injury During Your Workout + Staying Hydrated - Staying Healthy + Strength and Resistance Training Exercise + Know Your Target Heart Rates for Exercise, Losing Weight and Health + Treat Your Feet Right + Warm Up Cool Down + What to Wear When You Work Out Infographic + When is the best time of day to work out? + Why is physical activity so important for health and wellbeing? * Getting Active * Staying Motivated * Walking Related Articles Why is Walking the Most Popular Form of Exercise? Exercise Mind and Body with Yoga and Mindful Movement Hate Exercise? 5 Tips That May Change Your Mind When is the best time of day to work out? Popular Articles No Time for Exercise? Here Are 7 Easy Ways to Move More! Make Every Move Count Infographic * Fitness * Fitness Basics + Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults + Warm Up with Cool-Weather Workouts + Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children + Recommendations for Physical Activity in Kids Infographic + American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity Infographic + Balance Exercise + Endurance Exercise Aerobic + Flexibility Exercise Stretching + How to Keep Cool During Warm Weather Workouts + Is your workout working? Infographic + Keeping Your Feet Happy and Pain-Free Infographic + Make Every Move Count Infographic + Move more for Whole Body Health Infographic + Move More Month + Preventing Injury During Your Workout + Staying Hydrated - Staying Healthy + Strength and Resistance Training Exercise + Know Your Target Heart Rates for Exercise, Losing Weight and Health + Treat Your Feet Right + Warm Up Cool Down + What to Wear When You Work Out Infographic + When is the best time of day to work out? + Why is physical activity so important for health and wellbeing? * Getting Active * Staying Motivated * Walking *All health/medical information on this website has been reviewed and approved by the American Heart Association, based on scientific research and American Heart Association guidelines. Use this link for more information on our content editorial process. 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