Regular aerobic physical activity increases a person's capacity for exercise. It also plays a role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity and cardiovascular mortality are linked. Exercise can help control blood lipid abnormalities, diabetes and obesity. The results of pooled studies show that people who modify their behavior after heart attack to include regular exercise have better rates of survival.
Some activities improve flexibility, some build muscular strength and some increase endurance.
Some forms of continuous activities involve using the large muscles in your arms or legs, called endurance or aerobic exercises. They benefit the heart because they make it work more efficiently during exercise and at rest. Brisk walking, jumping rope, jogging, bicycling, cross-country skiing and dancing are examples of aerobic exercises that increase endurance. Moderate-intensity physical activities for 30 minutes or longer on most days provide some benefits. Physical activity need not be strenuous to bring health benefits.