Physical activity plays an important role in both physical and mental health. People who are physically active tend to live longer, healthier lives. Active people are more productive, and more likely to avoid illness and injury¹.
Whether it’s dancing, exploring, sports, or working out at the gym, safe and regular physical activity will keep the body moving and the heart pumping to provide immediate and long-term health benefits.
At least a minimum of 30 minutes physical activity a day can:
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Lower cholesterol
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes
- Help manage weight
- Improve endurance, strength, flexibility
- Build stronger bones, muscles and joints
- Lower risk of osteoporosis
- Reduce risk of falls
- Boost energy and mood
- Improve sleep
On the other hand, a lack of physical activity can increase risks of developing preventable conditions, such as:
- Anxiety, stress, and feelings of depression
- High blood pressure, coronary heart diseases, colon cancer, and obesity
- Premature death
Research suggests that an inactive lifestyle is more deadly than smoking and costs Canadian taxpayers billions of dollars in health-care costs per year. Getting moving and being active can reduce all causes of death by as much as a 30%².
Move as much as you can, as often as you can. Learn how you can start moving.
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- ParticipACTION