Benefits of Exercise

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Last synced 8/9/2026Status: primary verified

We have heard it many times before -- regular exercise is good for you, and it can help you manage your weight . But if you are like many people, you are busy, you sit most of the day at your job, and you haven't yet changed your exercise habits . The good news is that it's never too late to start. You can start slowly and find ways to fit more physical activity into your life. To get the most benefit, you should try to get the recommended amount of physical activity for your age. If you can do that, the payoff is that you will feel better, may help prevent or control many diseases, and will likely even live longer. What are the health benefits of exercise? Regular exercise and physical activity may: Help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. Along with diet, exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity . If you are at a healthy weight, you can maintain it if the calories you eat and drink are equal to the amount of energy you burn. To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you eat and drink. Reduce your risk of heart diseases . Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in your body. This helps lower your risk of heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart attack . Regular exercise can also lower high blood pressure , cholesterol , and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Help your body manage blood glucose (blood sugar) and insulin levels. Exercise can lower your blood glucose levels and help your insulin work better. This can reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes . And if you already have one of these diseases, exercise can help you manage it. Help you manage a chronic health condition. For example, regular physical activity may help reduce pain and improve function in adults with arthritis . It can also help support daily living activities for people with disabilities . Thi

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This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Always talk to a licensed U.S. clinician about your situation, medications, or treatment decisions.