Benefits of Exercise

According to recent study, people with high levels of physical fitness are at lower risk of dying from a variety of causes.

There's more good news. Research also shows that exercise enhances sleep, prevents weight gain, and reduces the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even depression.

One study has even found that when breast cancer survivors engaged in exercise, there were marked improvements in physical activity, strength, maintaining weight, and social well-being.

Another study looked at patients with stable heart failure and determined that exercise relieves symptoms, improves quality of life, reduces hospitalization, and in some cases, reduces the risk of death.

Exercise isn't just important for people who are already living with health conditions: We can see benefits of moderate exercise in people who are recovering from diseases, and we might see even greater benefits in those of us who are generally well.

Physical activity doesn't have to be strenuous to produce results. Even moderate exercise five to six times a week can lead to lasting health benefits.

When incorporating more physical activity into your life, remember three simple guidelines:

•Exercise at moderate intensity for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes spread over the course of each week

•Avoid periods of inactivity; some exercise at any level of intensity is better than none.

•At least twice a week, supplement aerobic exercise (cardio) with weight-bearing activities that strengthen all major muscle groups.