Why do I need physical activity?

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Regular physical activity can improve health and reduce your risk of developing (or worsening) a number of health problems, including nearly every major disease. Some physical activity is better than none but increasing the intensity, frequency and/or duration of workouts leads to greater health benefits and greater quality of life.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2nd edition) has an entire chapter dedicated to the benefits of activity, Chapter 2: Physical Activity and Health. You can also read the Top 10 Things to Know about the second edition to see what we now know about both the immediate and long term health benefits of physical activity. You can learn more about physical activity benefits from the CDC and see the benefits of physical activity in the below infographic.

• Research shows that physical activity can reduce your risk of disease and premature death. 
• People who are active for about 7 hours a week have a 40% lower chance of dying early than those who are active for less than 30 minutes a week.
• You do not have to do high amounts or intensity of activity to lower your risk. Even 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, such as walking briskly, is enough to substantially lower your risk of early death.

• Improve mental health and mood: regular physical activity can reduce your risk of depression and help you sleep better.
• Reduce risk of cardiovascular health: physical activity can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
• Control your health: physical activity can help you maintain or lose weight
• Reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome: physical activity can improve conditions that lead to disease, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and high blood sugar.
• Reduce your risk of some cancers: physical activity is proven to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer. It may also reduce your risk of endometrial and lung cancer.
• Strengthens your bones and muscles: physical activity can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age, improve your ability to manage arthritis and lower your risk of a hip fracture
• Improve balance and prevent falls: physical activity can reduce your risk of falling by improving balance and your ability to do daily tasks.