Posted July 22, 2007 by Megan Bailey

1. Exercise reduces your risk for colon cancer. Studies have shown that colon cancer is 40% more likely to occur in a person who does not exercise than in someone who is physically active. 2. Exercise reduces your risk for coronary artery disease. People who are inactive have a 45% greater chance of developing coronary artery disease than those who are active. 3. Exercise reduces your risk for developing osteoporosis. Sedentary people have an almost 60% greater risk of developing osteoporosis than those who are active. 4. Exercise increases bone size and density which helps prevent bone loss due to aging. 5. Research has shown that exercise increases the production of HDL cholesterol by 40%. HDL is the good cholesterol that helps reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. 6. Exercise promotes muscle coordination, reaction time, and strength, all of which are necessary for balance and stability. 7. Exercising increases the heart's endurance and the volume of blood that it can pump to the body. This promotes improved overall heart function. 8. Exercise can decrease falls resulting in injury by 30% and can reduce the risk of hip fractures by 20% to 40% in the elderly. 9. In studies exercise has been shown to increase life expectancy in adults by as much as 2 hours for every hour of regular aerobic exercise. 10. Exercise helps keep the arteries flexible and free of plaque build up, lowering blood pressure and helping to prevent blood clots. 11. Aerobic exercise releases mood lifting hormones which promote a sense of well being and help reduce stress. 12. Poor diet and lack of exercise is second only to smoking in lifestyle factors that contribute to the nation's top killers, including coronary heart disease.