Baylor Dallas News

Exercise may be the most important factor in a healthy lifestyle—at any age. Getting regular exercise can help:

• Reduce body fat and help you lose weight
• Lower blood pressure
• Decrease total cholesterol and increase HDL or "good" cholesterol
• Lower blood glucose levels
• Reduce your risk of heart disease
• Help prevent or manage the effects of diabetes
• Increase strength and flexibility
• Improve sleep habits
• Reduce your risk for osteoporosis and improve bone strength
• Decrease your chance of depression and improve your mood
• Improve self-esteem

Despite all of these benefits, the Healthy People 2010 study by the Department of Health and Human Services reports that only about half of adults exercise the recommended 30 minutes five times a week.

 The good news is, you don't have to be a super-athlete to see results. Several studies have shown that low-intensity activities such as walking may be as good for us as running or more intensive competitive sports. Just be in motion. The more you do, the healthier you’ll be.

If you have knees or hips that cause you pain when you exercise, consider aerobic activities that are easier on the lower extremities but still gets the heart and lungs pumping, such as swimming or stationary biking. And be sure to include strength training and stretching in your exercise routine.

Warming up and cooling down properly is critical, too. On a stationary bike ride, for example, start and end at a slower pace to ease in and out of your exercise session.

To learn more about how Baylor Dallas can help you improve your fitness level, click here.