Regular
exercise can help protect you from heart disease and stroke, high blood
pressure, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, back pain, osteoporosis,
and can improve your mood and help you to better manage stress.
For
the greatest overall health benefits, experts recommend that you do 20
to 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or more times a week and some
type of muscle strengthening activity and stretching at least twice a
week. However, if you are unable to do this level of activity, you can
gain substantial health benefits by accumulating 30 minutes or more of
moderate-intensity physical activity a day, at least five times a week.
If
you have been inactive for a while, you may want to start with less strenuous
activities such as walking or swimming at a comfortable pace. Beginning
at a slow pace will allow you to become physically fit without straining
your body. Once you are in better shape, you can gradually do more strenuous
activity.
