Benefits from Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

Weight Control

• Speeds up bodily processes, burning more calories
• Helps maintain lean body mass, important to weight loss
• Helps control appetite

Heart and Blood Vessels

• Lowers resting heart rate
• Lowers blood pressure at rest and after exercise
• Strengthens heart function
• Improves oxygen delivery to the body
• Increases blood supply to the muscles
• Enlarges the arteries to the heart
•  Improves endurance and energy levels

Musculoskeletal System

• Increases muscle strength
• Increases flexibility of muscles and improves range of motion in joints
• Produces stronger bones, tendons and ligaments
• Lessens chance of muscle or joint injury
• Enhances posture, poise and figure or physique
• Lessens chance of "dependency" in old age

Metabolism and Body Function

• Improves the way the body handles fat
• Helps lower blood fats (triglycerides, cholesterol)

• Increases HDL, the "good" cholesterol carrier
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
• Improves general resistance to disease
• Aids digestion and elimination
• Increases muscle energy and decreases fatigue

Mental Processes

• Provides natural release from stress
• Helps reduce tension and anxiety
• Improves mental outlook and self-esteem
• Helps relieve mild depression
• Builds resistance to stress, better able to cope
• Stimulates mental function
• Helps relax and improve sleep