Regular activity helps to manage and control:

• Heart disease and angina, high blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Type 2 diabetes

• Joint and bones problems such as arthritis weight

Heart disease and stroke

On average, the risk of developing heart disease such as angina or a heart attack is reduced by about a third in people who exercise compared to those who don't. You are also less likely to have a stroke. Exercise is good for the heart muscle, but it also reduces some 'risk factors' for heart disease and stroke. For example, on average, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight are lower in people who regularly exercise compared with those who don't.

Some cancers (such as colon cancer)

Regular exercise roughly halves the chance of developing cancer of the colon (bowel cancer). There is also evidence that breast cancer is less common in women who exercise regularly.

Osteoporosis

Regular exercise helps to prevent osteoporosis ('thinning of the bones'). The pulling and tugging on the bones by the muscles helps to stimulate bone-making cells which strengthens the bones.   At around the age of 35 years bones start to become weaker if we don't exercise regularly.  Exercise helps to maintain bone strength. 

Mental health

Exercise is thought to help mental health in many ways:

It can ease stress, improve well-being and self-esteem. It is difficult to measure 'stress'. However, many people find that they feel less stressed after exercise.

It can also help you sleep better.

Older people

If you are over 70, you are less likely to fall and be injured if you exercise regularly.