When it comes to health and well-being, regular exercise is about as close to a magic potion as you can get. In the U.S. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the list of the benefits of exercise is so lengthy that it takes up an entire page. Evidence shows that regular activity lowers the risk for many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol, as well as osteoporosis and certain cancers. It’s been shown to boost mood, improve quality of life, and help people better deal with life’s stresses. It also helps prevent weight gain and obesity and helps people maintain weight loss. To top it all off, it’s also been shown to extend life span. Really, the only thing that boosts health more than exercise is not smoking.
Looking for help motivating yourself or someone you know to exercise? Download this great list of health benefits from Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life, by Thich Nhat Hahn and Dr. Lilian Cheung!
Learn more about how to achieve the healthy weight and well-being we seek, in Savor, available now from HarperOne.