A Moving Message
You've probably seen a thousand studies proving the health benefits of exercise and fitness. Regular physical activity is good for every part of you, inside and out.
Exercise and Fitness: How good is it?
- Regular moderate exercise, such as walking briskly for about 2 hours a week, can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by more than 40 percent. Studies show that even spending less than half that time exercising can dramatically reduce your chance of having a heart attack.
- Exercise and fitness help prevent diabetes, and exercising can make managing diabetes easier.
- Weight-bearing activities increase bone density and strength, lessening the chance of developing osteoporosis.
- Exercise and fitness reduce your chances of developing certain types of cancers.
- Working out regularly improves your cognitive function, and can combat depression and anxiety.
- Older adults who exercise are likely to remain independent longer than those who do not, because among other things, working out reduces the risk of falling.
Convincing people that exercise and fitness routines are important isn't hard - but turning the facts into a healthy, fit lifestyle is what's important.
Wake Forest Baptist Health has found that for many people, the key to sticking with an exercise and fitness program is finding a routine that doesn't feel like a chore. The more you enjoy moving your body, the more likely you are to make exercise a habit, and (here's the cool part) the more fun you'll have and the better you'll feel. When you feel your best, we call it best health.