What is exercise?

Exercise is physical activity that enhances health and fitness. The term exercise encompasses healthful activities from the gentle, like walking or lifting light dumbbells, to the strenuous, like marathon running, speed swimming, or martial arts training. There are a great variety of exercises, and they convey many health benefits, including: weight control, prevention of disease (cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers, for example), improving strength and flexibility, increasing endurance, aiding bone health, improving mood, and helping to extend life. People have used regular exercise for thousands of years to improve health. Exercise can lead to injury if it is overdone, or if too much is attempted too quickly, so it's a good idea to discuss taking up exercise with your healthcare provider. He or she can advise you on what may be a good plan and starting point for you.