Physical Activity and its Benefits

Did you know the benefits of physical activity and exercise occur immediately?

Some positive effects include:

• improved thinking
• reducing short-term anxiety
• better sleep
• lowering blood pressure

The time you spend participating in physical activity does not have to be long to experience these positive effects – doing 30 to 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise can do the trick.

Examples of moderate exercise:

• Brisk walking
• Dancing
• Jump rope
• Playing sports like basketball and volleyball
• Biking

Working out consistently will lead to other positive benefits like preventing long-term diseases.

Long term positive effects include:

• Stronger bones
• Reducing risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Lowers risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
• Healthy weight
• Balance and coordination

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm

Graphics (English & Spanish): https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/health-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults.html