5. Endometrial Cancer
6. Breast Cancer
7. Prostate Cancer
8. Osteoporosis
9. Obesity
10. Type II Diabetes
11. Depression
12. Dementia
13. Cataracts
14. Macular Degeneration
15. Chronic Lung Disease
16. Arthritis
17. Disability
This is an impressive list. Keep in mind that many of the physiological
benefits will occur immediately. While preventing dementia or
osteoporosis or coronary artery disease would probably rank as a top
long-term goal, you don’t have to wait till old age for the benefits of
exercise to kick in. Exercise will give you an immediate boost in mood,
mental acuity, and overall energy levels. This isn’t surprising when you
appreciate the dramatic effect that physical activity has on the human
body. Yes, you’re sweating a bit, probably breathing heavily, and
perhaps you feel your muscles aching. However, here’s what happening on a
cellular level when you’re active: You’re increasing the activity of
free-radical scavenging enzymes, improving immune function, increasing
circulating T- and B-Lymphocytes, reducing body fat, increasing
gastrointestinal motility, altering hormone levels, improving insulin
resistance, reducing triglyceride levels, and providing beneficial
effects on the inflammatory response. Appreciating the intensely
synergistic effects of physical activity makes it easier to see why its
health benefits are so extraordinary.