BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISES

Health benefits from exercising can be gained from regular moderate physical activity. Every little bit helps. Just find 30 minutes a day can make a difference to your quality of life.

Regular moderate activity will:

	Reduce the risk of dying prematurely
	Reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure
	Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety
	Build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
	Promote psychological well-being
	Improve your quality of life.

The recommendation is for adults to be moderately active for at least 30 minutes every day. If the activity is more intense, you can do it for less than 30 minutes and still receive the health benefits. The 30 minutes doesn't have to be done all at once. You can do 10 minute sessions three times a day if you prefer.

Physical inactivity may be responsible for up to 9 per cent of the total years of life lost through premature death from heart disease, colon cancer, stroke and diabetes. This makes physical inactivity an important risk factor, similar to high blood pressure and obesity.

Things to remember:

	You can improve your health and well-being by enjoying 30 minutes of moderate activity on at least 5 days a week.
	The 30 minutes can be made up of three 10 minutes sessions if 30 minutes in one go is too much at first. Any activity is better than none.
	Physical inactivity is an important risk factor in contracting lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.

Nothing contained on this information sheet is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.