Physical activity that improves health
Cycling is a popular form of exercise.
Weight training
Exercise is physical activity that enhances or maintains fitness and overall health .[ 1] [ 2] It is performed for various reasons, including weight loss or maintenance, to aid growth and improve strength, develop muscles and the cardiovascular system , prevent injuries, hone athletic skills, improve health,[ 3] or simply for enjoyment. Many people choose to exercise outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and improve well-being as well as mental health .[ 4] [ 5]
In terms of health benefits, usually, 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended for reducing the risk of health problems.[ 6] [ 7] [ 8] At the same time, even doing a small amount of exercise is healthier than doing none. Only doing an hour and a quarter (11 minutes/day) of exercise could reduce the risk of early death, cardiovascular disease , stroke , and cancer .[ 9] [ 10]
^ Kylasov A, Gavrov S (2011). Diversity Of Sport: non-destructive evaluation . Paris: UNESCO: Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems. pp. 462–91. ISBN 978-5-89317-227-0 .
^ Liberman, Daniel (2020). Exercised . Vintage Books. ISBN 978-0593295397 .
^ "7 great reasons why exercise matters" . Mayo Clinic . Retrieved 2 November 2018 .
^ Bergstrom K, Muse T, Tsai M, Strangio S (19 January 2011). "Fitness for Foreigners" . Slate . Retrieved 5 December 2016 .
^ Deslandes A, Moraes H, Ferreira C, Veiga H, Silveira H, Mouta R, et al. (2009). "Exercise and mental health: many reasons to move" . Neuropsychobiology . 59 (4): 191–198. doi :10.1159/000223730 . PMID 19521110 . S2CID 14580554 .
^ "Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64" . NHS . 25 January 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2023 .
^ "How much physical activity do adults need?" . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 22 June 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023 .
^ "Physical activity" . WHO . Retrieved 21 August 2023 .
^ "Small amounts of exercise protect against early death, heart disease and cancer" . NIHR Evidence (Plain English summary). National Institute for Health and Care Research. 14 August 2023. doi :10.3310/nihrevidence_59256 . S2CID 260908783 .
^ Garcia, Leandro; Pearce, Matthew; Abbas, Ali; et al. (28 February 2023). "Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes: a dose–response meta-analysis of large prospective studies" . British Journal of Sports Medicine . 57 (15): 979–989. doi :10.1136/bjsports-2022-105669 . ISSN 0306-3674 . PMC 10423495 . PMID 36854652 .