Health Benefits of Physical Activity

According to the Centers for Disease Control the health benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks of getting hurt. Science shows that physical activity can reduce the risk of dying early from the leading causes of death, like heart disease and some cancers. Everyone can gain the health benefits of physical activity - age, ethnicity, shape or size do not matter.

Research shows that regular physical activity can help reduce your risk for several diseases and health conditions and improve overall quality of life. Long-term health benefits, include:

  1. Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
  2. Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
  3. Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
  4. Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
  5. Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
  6. Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
  7. Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
  8. Helps control weight.
  9. Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
  10. Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
  11. Promotes psychological well-being.

People who are physically active for about 7 hours a week have a 40 percent lower risk of dying early than those who are active for less than 30 minutes a week. Doing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity can lower the risk of dying early, including the risk of dying early from coronary heart disease -- the leading cause of death in many countries around the world.

However, high amounts of activity or vigorous-intensity activity are not necessary to reduce the risk of premature death. People who are usually inactive can improve their health and wellbeing by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis. Although even greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the amount (duration, frequency, or intensity) of physical activity, everyone can gain health benefits by becoming more physical activity.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control


Related Resources:

Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, 2008
An extensive review of the existing literature by leading U.S. researchers appointed to the HHS Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. Reviews include all-cause mortality, cardio respiratory health, metabolic health, energy balance, mucoskeletal health, functional health, cancer, mental health, youth and adverse affects.

U.S. National Physical Activity Plan

Review: Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Warburton DE, Nicol CW and Bredin SS.
CMAJ. 2006;174(6):801.

2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
The U.S. Federal Government issued its first-ever Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in 2008. They describe the types and amounts of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits to Americans.