Finding a way to make regular exercise a part of everyone's daily life is the goal to gaining health benefits. Studies show that regular exercise helps prevent or treat various health problems. Some well known benefits include heart disease prevention and lowering of cholesterol levels. With aging, the bones become thinner, and muscle mass is reduced. Women can help to prevent bone loss, and the elderly can decrease risk for hip fractures through regular physical activity.
Exercise also is essential in weight loss and can prevent or improve the onset of adult diabetes.
Lastly, exercise helps with stress management, self-image and depression. For health benefits, every adult should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderately intense physical activity, most or everyday of the week. Moderately intense activity can include three or more 10-minute brisk daily walks, raking, stationary cycling, general house cleaning, home gardening or actively playing with the children. Remember that any short, cumulative activity is beneficial. Level 1 starts with incorporating daily activities, such as using the stairs or parking further than usual.