Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the U.S. Regular exercise reduces your risk for these conditions by strengthening your heart and improving your blood flow. This results in lowering your blood pressure and improving your cholesterol levels.

Exercise helps to control your weight and prevent obesity. Being overweight puts you at risk for many medical conditions, notably noninsulin-dependent diabetes and high blood pressure. Because it increases the load on your joints, obesity can aggravate bone and joint conditions, such as back pain and knee problems. Regular exercise can improve the symptoms of these conditions by increasing muscle strength and flexibility, and reducing body fat.