Ten Reasons to get Physical

Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic activity is good for you. As your body adapts to regular aerobic exercise, you'll get stronger and fitter. Aerobic activity can help you:

• Keep excess weight off.
 Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps you lose weight — and keep it off. 
• Increase your stamina
. Aerobic exercise may make you tired in the short term. But over the long term, you'll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue. 
• Ward off viral illnesses. 
Aerobic exercise activates your immune system. This leaves you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu. 
• Reduce your health risks. 
Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. Weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as walking, reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 
• Manage chronic conditions. 
Aerobic exercise helps lower high blood pressure and control blood sugar. If you've had a heart attack, aerobic exercise helps prevent subsequent attacks. Get medical advice before taking part in any new exercise regime. 
• Strengthen your heart. 
A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body. 
• Keep your arteries clear. 
Aerobic exercise boosts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol and lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. The potential result? Less buildup of plaques in your arteries. 
• Boost your mood. 
Aerobic exercise can ease depression, reduce the tension associated with anxiety and promote relaxation. 
• Stay active and independent as you age. 
Aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong, which can help you maintain mobility as you get older. Aerobic exercise also keeps your mind sharp. At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week seems to reduce cognitive decline in older adults. 
• Live longer
. Studies show that people who participate in regular aerobic exercise live longer than those who don't exercise regularly.