Why exercise?

Physical activity can prevent many major illnesses. Evidence shows that regular exercise can:

• promote healthy blood sugar levels to prevent or control diabetes

• promote bone density to protect against osteoporosis

• reduce the overall risk of cancer

• increase levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol -reducing the risk of developing heart disease

• lower high blood pressure-reducing the risk of developing heart disease

• boost the immune system

• boost self-confidence and help prevent depression

• in combination with a balanced diet, help to maintain a healthy weight

Barriers to being more active

You may find the threat of a future illness is not enough motivation to change your habits now. There can be many reasons for not taking up exercise, including:

• lack of time due to work or family commitments

• cost of equipment or gym membership

• lack of facilities nearby

• personal safety when exercising outdoors alone

• poor weather or night-time lighting

However there are ways to overcome all of these potential barriers and work exercise into your daily life. This could include getting off the bus to work one or two stops earlier than usual.

Key points

• Regular moderate exercise will benefit your health in many ways, both physically and mentally.

• Exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and cancer.

• Exercise reduces your risk of bone and joint problems.

• Exercise helps you manage your weight.

• Exercise helps prevent and control diabetes.

• Exercise helps you feel happier.

• To see most of these benefits, you need to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five days of the week.