Regular physical activity or exercise is important for improving health and reducing the risk of developing several diseases. Here are some of the benefits of physical activity:
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, obesity, type II diabetes, and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of these diseases.
- Weight management: Physical activity helps avoid weight gain and can contribute to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
- Improved mental health: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression, and increase wellbeing.
- Improved cognitive function: Physical activity has been found to improve cognitive function in children and adults.
- Improved sleep: Physical activity can help improve the quality of sleep.
- Improved muscle and bone health: Physical activity can help improve muscle strength and bone density, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both. Children and adolescents aged 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. It is important to note that physical activity recommendations may vary depending on individual health status and fitness level.
*BASED ON PUBLISHED ACADEMIC PAPERS*