Exercise

Physical exercise is any body movement that promotes fitness and overall health. We can all benefit from more exercise - no matter your age, gender, size or fitness level, regular exercise is good for you.

Here are just a few ways that getting more exercise can improve your life:

Exercise improves health conditions and helps to prevent disease

Worried about your heart health? Being active raises your HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) and lowers your blood pressure. This reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation,depression and arthritis.

Physical activity enhances mood and boosts energy

Need an emotional lift and a boost of energy? A quick workout or a 30-minute walk can help. Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. It also delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps all your body systems work better. All of this will give you more energy throughout the day.

Exercise makes you stronger

Physical activity makes you stronger and improves your fitness level by:

• making you more flexible;
• improving your blood circulation; and,
• building stronger muscles and bones.

The better your fitness level is, the easier it is to do everyday tasks. If you can't do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways -- take the stairs instead of the elevator or park further away from the shops and walk!

Physical activity promotes better sleep

Do you have trouble sleeping? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. You'll wake up with more energy! Just try not to exercise right before bed, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.

Physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time by yourself or connect with friends and family. Find an activity you enjoy and just do it! If you get bored, try something new. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If that sounds like a lot, start smaller. You will benefit from as little as 10 minutes of activity at a time. See Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines.

Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven't exercised for a long time, or if you have health problems or any concerns.