What to know
A single session of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity provides immediate benefits for your health. Regular physical activity provides important health benefits for chronic disease prevention.
Benefits
Immediate
- Sleep: Improves sleep quality
- Less Anxiety: Reduces feelings of anxiety
- Blood Pressure: Reduces blood pressure
Long-term
- Brain Health: Reduces risks of developing dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and reduces risk of depression
- Heart Health: Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
- Cancer Prevention: Lowers risk of 8 cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach)
- Healthy Weight: Reduces risk of weight gain
- Bone Strength: Improves bone health
- Balance and Coordination: Reduces risks of falls
Emerging research suggests physical activity may also help boost immune function12.
Source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.
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Keep Reading:
Adding Physical Activity as an Adult
- Nieman D, Wentz L. The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system. J Sport Health Sci. 2019 May;8(3): 201-17.
- Jones A, Davison G . Exercise, immunity, and illness. Muscle and Exercise Physiology. 2019;317-44.