Exercise increases cardiac output, redistributes blood flow and increases blood flow to muscles. Exercise is extremely important for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. In a meta-analysis of 13 controlled studies of exercise, there was a mean reduction of 11.3 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 7.5 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. In diabetic patients, this is extremely important. Obese children have elevated insulin levels which can normalize with exercise.
Exercise helps osteoarthritis.
Exercise can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Resistance training can improve muscle mass, flexibility, enhance balance and improve joint health. Lack of activity can lead to muscle shortening. Exercise can help prevent bone loss and increase bone strength. Exercise has been shown to change or retard several components of aging.