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While
the following list doesn't indicate every benefit of regular exercise,
it may be enough to make you change your mind about beginning a regular
exercise program:
•
Prevent
and manage cardiovascular disease
• Improve breathing and oxygen use
• Strengthen muscles
• Strengthen bones
• Decrease anxiety and depression
• Decrease fats in the blood and body
• Boost immune system
.
Are unstructured activities beneficial? Exercise does not have to be structured,
such as playing a sport or riding a stationary bicycle in order to benefit
your cardiovascular system. Examples of beneficial daily activities include:
•
washing the car for 45-60 minutes
• raking leaves for 30 minutes
• climbing stairs for 15 minutes
• washing windows/floors for 45-60 minutes
• gardening for 30-45 minutes
• wheeling yourself in a wheelchair for 30-40 minutes
Four components of fitness. Fitness is a measure of overall physical health which can be described in four components
•
cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness
• flexibility
• muscular endurance
• muscular strength
Each of these components is equally important for overall health and fitness. For example, if Joe is able to walk two miles each day but has trouble bending over to tie his shoes, he probably needs to work on his flexibility.
