The Benefits of Physical Activity Include:

- Helping to reduce stress and anxiety
- Looking better
- Better body shape and appearance
- Improves strength and stamina
- Improves co-ordination and balance (especially important
for older adults)
- Improves flexibility
- Improves respiration
- Improves circulation
- Feeling better
- More energy
- Sleeping better
- Helping you to relax more easily
- Improved self-confidence
- Improved concentration
- Achievement learning something new and being successful
- Enjoyment activity can be great fun and something you can do with other people

Physical Activity tackles Health Problems...

It Helps to manage and control:

- Heart disease, including angina
- Weight and body fat
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Type 2 diabetes
- Joint and bone problems, such as arthritis

And helps prevent illness by reducing the risk of:

- Heart disease and stroke
- Some cancers (such as colon cancer)
- Dementia
- Falls and injuries

And it also:

- Helps you stay independent and mobile in later life
- Decreases resting heart rate (so your heart doesn't have to work as hard)
- Makes it easier to carry out your everyday activities
- Maintains stronger bones and muscles
- Improves balance, posture and co-ordination
- Maintain joint mobility and suppleness
- Increases bone density
- Reduces risk of osteoporosis
- Helps to prevent constipation

As you get older, regular physical activity also helps you stay in touch with friends and neighbours, and to get out and about - for example, going to the shops or visiting family and friends.