Benefits of physical activity are almost unlimited. It can:
- Improve your overall health
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Increase your energy
- Help you sleep better
- Tone muscles
- Improve flexibility
- Improve cholesterol levels
- Reduce blood pressure
- Reduce the pain of arthritis
- Contribute to healthy bones, muscles and joints
- Help with weight loss, controlling your appetite and
controlling your weight

Physical activities help reduce the risk of:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Falls by older adults
- Premature death

According to the Surgeon General, a person should get 30 minutes of a moderate intensity activity five or more days a week – whether it is all at once or in 2-3 bursts over the day.

Select activities that you enjoy and consider participating in more than one type of activity to keep up your interest and commitment.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids and to warm up before and cool down after you exercise to prevent injury.

Noting your accomplishments and celebrating them is a key to keeping the progress going.

Plan some activity with friends or family. The social support makes it both more enjoyable and allows you to spend time with people you enjoy.

Recognize that at times you may have setbacks – due to such factors like time conflicts, family needs, or illness. The key is to start back up again when you can rather than “throwing in the towel” when you have a setback.

Help someone else get started with an activity or exercise plan. Someone else depending on you will help keep you motivated and committed.