Benefits of Exercise
Physical activity can halve your risk of developing many major illnesses, and substantially reduce the risk of premature death.
Evidence shows that regular exercise can:
- halve your risk of getting type II diabetes
- help to control diabetes and prevent long-term complications if you already have the condition
- halve your risk of developing coronary heart disease
- increase levels of HDL ('good' cholesterol)
- reduce high blood pressure
- promote bone density to protect against osteoporosis
- have beneficial effects if you have arthritis and lower back pain
- reduce your overall risk of cancer, prevent bowel cancer and reduce the risk of breast cancer in women after the menopause
- help to maintain a healthy weight in combination with a balanced diet
- reduce the risk of death or poor health if you're already overweight or obese
- reduce your risk of depression and dementia in later life
- treat depression
- help you to feel better about yourself and reduce stress
- improve your sleep
- help to promote healthy growth and development in children, as well as maintaining their energy balance, psychological wellbeing and social interaction
