"Why is physical activity important to you?"

"I like to exercise because it helps me remember to take care of myself. I also find that exercise is a problem solver. For example, when I swim I'm able to sort through my problems and come out feeling refreshed and more able to cope with daily stresses."
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
New Orleans, LA

"Physical activity is important to me because when you look good, you feel good. For me, exercise is a winning situation without any real negatives."
SECRETARY
Washington, DC

"Physical activity helps me stay healthy and keep my weight down."
EDITOR
Nashville, TN

"How do you stay active on busy days?"

"Because I'm so busy during the week, I try to fit exercise into my regular schedule in natural ways. For example, I make it a point to walk to and from the train that I take to work - I enjoy these walks in the morning, they give me time to think about the day ahead, and in the evening, they help clear my head."
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Chicago, IL

"I try to do activities that I enjoy. During the winter, I play racquetball or go swimming indoors. In warmer weather, I play in a tennis tournament and go hiking in the mountains where the scenery is spectacular. I don't see these activities as exercise - I enjoy them too much - but they do keep me in shape!"
SOCIAL WORKER Taos, NM

Did you know that regular physical activity can improve your mental health and outlook on life? Just take a look.

EVERY DAY ENERGY

  • Give you the energy to do the things you want to do such as spend quality time with friends and family.

    MOOD MONITOR

  • Reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression

    SOUND SLEEP

  • Improve your sleep, giving you the rest you need to enjoy daily activities - on the job and at home.

    PEAK PERFORMANCE

  • Clear your head so that you can approach work refreshed and able to concentrate.

    ENHANCED SELF-ESTEEM

  • Boost self-confidence by improving your strength, stamina, flexibility, appearance and sense of control.

    And of course, there are the potential physical benefits.

    WEIGHT WATCH

  • Shed extra pounds and abdominal fat - the fat most closely linked to heart disease-and maintain a healthy weight.

    HEART HEALTH

  • Reduce risk of heart disease, or improve physical functioning if you have had a heart attack or bypass surgery.

    CHOLESTEROL COUNT

  • Increase HDL ("good") cholesterol and lower triglycerides.

    CANCER CHECK

  • Reduce risk of colon cancer.

    HANDLE ON HYPERTENSION

  • Lower high blood pressure and risk of stroke.

    BLOOD SUGAR BALANCE

  • Control blood sugar (glucose) levels if you have, or are at risk for, diabetes.

    BONE BENEFIT

  • Improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures as you get older.

    • Table of Contents - Shape Up America! - BMI Center - Health & Fitness Center - Library