Why is exercise important?

Exercise is important because it improves stamina, controls weight, and strengthens and tones bodies. It offers several long-term health benefits that include reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. Exercise can also improve appearance and mood, and it boosts energy.

Exercise releases endorphins that allow the body and mind to feel good. It gets the heart pumping and burns calories, which helps people lose weight. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people who want to lose more than 5 percent of their body weight exercise for more than 300 minutes per week at a moderately intense level.