The Benefits of Physical Exercise

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Within the national guidelines for physical activity in Ireland developed by the HSE and the Department  of Health and Children, studies have shown that the following benefits can be achieved from maintaining good physical activity:

Strong evidence of:

• Better cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness
• Better weight maintenance after weight loss
• Lower risk of early death
• Lower risk of stroke
• Lower risk of coronary heart disease
• Lower risk of high blood pressure
• Lower risk of unhealthy blood lipid profile
• Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• Lower risk of metabolic syndrome
• Lower risk of colon and breast cancer
• Reduced levels of depression
• Better cognitive function in older adults

Some evidence of:

• Lower risk of hip fracture
• Lower risk of lung cancer
• Lower risk of endometrial cancer
• Stronger bone density
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced abdominal fat