Physical activity is critical for the health of your body. The risks posed to your health by a sedentary lifestyle are similar to those posed by hypertension, high blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and obesity.

Why is physical activity so necessary? Your body was designed for movement. By moving your limbs and muscles, you massage your tissues and organs, bringing them oxygen and nutrients. Lymph must be moved through physical activity alone as there is no other pumping mechanism to circulate lymph fluid. Physical activity gets everything moving in your body: blood, oxygen, nutrients, cellular respiration.

Exercise:

• Raises level of endorphins for a feeling of well being and reduces stress
• Combats chronic disease and disorders like hypertension
• Accelerates your metabolism and helps control weight
• Improves heart and lung functioning, thereby increasing endurance and improving the efficiency of circulation throughout your body
• Improves sleep
• Gives you more energy
• Improves sex
• Decreases levels of LDL cholesterol and increases levels of HDL cholesterol
• Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke
• Increases flexibility and range of motion

Photo of woman sleeping:
Copyright 2008, Hobvias Sudoneighm

Photo of people jumping:
Copyright 2008, Evan Osherow

More on this topic

Understanding Wellness (VIDEO)
What Is Wellness?
Quit Smoking
Smoking & Your Arteries
Eat Healthy
Foods to Avoid
Foods to Enjoy
Fiber Helps Lower Cholesterol
Good Fats: Omegas 3 & 6
The Daily Nutrition You Need
Portion Control
Daily Exercise
Aerobic Exercise
Speed Up Your Metabolism
Benefits of Exercise
Lose Weight
Measuring Fat

Related Health Centers:

The 9 Visual Rules of Wellness, Wellness and Prevention Part I, Wellness and Prevention Part II, Reverse Aging