Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Diabetes
Cancer risk
Mental health
Bones
Muscles
Longevity
Weight
Pain
Fall prevention
Sleep
Osteoporosis
Brain function
Summary
Exercise has many benefits, both curative and
preventive, for physical and mental health. Any
amount of exercise, even if it falls below the
suggested amount, is likely to produce benefits.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source say
that “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can
do for your health,” and everyone can benefit.
This article looks at some specific benefits of regular exercise for mental
and physical health.
1. Improves cardiovascular
health
Share on Pinter est
The benefits continue to increase as people are more active than this.
The ADA say, “Physical activity and exercise should be recommended and
prescribed to all individuals with diabetes as part of management of
glycemic control and overall health.”
colon
stomach
esophageal
breast
bladder
uterine (endometrial)
kidney
There may also be a link between physical activity and reduced risk of
other cancersTrusted Source, but the evidence is less clear.
Longer term, regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of depression.
In general, losing weight and then keeping it off also require a healthful,
balanced diet.
The CDCTrusted Source give some examples of the calories that a person
weighing 154 pounds would burn during an hour of activity for:
The study concluded that a definitive answer would require more research.
The authors note that although the quality of evidence was generally low,
“There is some evidence of improved physical function and a variable effect
on both psychological function and quality of life.”
None of the interventions appeared to cause any harm. The authors of the
overview noted limited evidence regarding improvement in pain severity.
Regular exercise also helps prevent falls and fractures related to muscle
weakness and lack of balance, which is particularly important for people
with osteoporosis.
In people over the age of 50 years, exercise also improves certain aspects
of cognition, such as processing speed.