Benefits of Physical Activity

Exercise promotes health, maintains and improves physical appearance, and improves the overall quality of life. Physically active people live with fewer health problems and enjoy a better quality of life than those who are inactive, and regular physical activity brings many lasting benefits. The textbook groups these benefits under five headings.

1. Physical and physiological benefits

Regular exercise improves posture (preventing back and neck pain) and appearance; it maintains the balance between lean body mass and fat and helps control body weight; it speeds recovery after injury, disease or hard work; it improves joint flexibility (lowering the risk of arthritic pain); it maintains bone mass (lowering the risk of osteoporosis); and it raises the resting metabolic rate and builds immunity, so the person feels energetic and more productive.

2. Mental and psychological benefits

Regular exercise improves brain function, memory and creative thinking. It enhances self-image, morale, self-confidence and self-esteem, and reduces tension, stress and anxiety, helping a person cope better and improving mental health.

3. Social benefits

Better emotional health and self-esteem improve social relations. Increased confidence prompts a person to reach out to others; participation in sport builds leadership qualities and friendships and provides a chance to meet new people - the first step towards a support network.

4. Improved health

Continuous activity increases longevity and slows ageing; it lowers mortality from chronic disease; it improves sleep quality and duration; and it reduces the risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, adverse blood lipids, metabolic syndrome and some cancers, while keeping the blood "thin" to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

5. Improved financial condition …