Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

Physical fitness offers lots of health and other benefits! Here are eight KEY REASONS why exercise is IMPORTANT:

1Decrease risk of disease

2Feel great physically

3Look better

4Sleep better

5Live longer - up to five years according to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine!

6Keep in shape so you can enjoy leisure activities

7Avoid injury and safely perform work and home chores

8Increase mental health and social wellbeing

Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, getting off a tram, train or bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, or walking the children to school. If you have been inactive, don't be discouraged. Some activity is better than none! Start at a comfortable level and add a little more activity over time. The more physically active you are, the more health benefits you gain. If you are physically fit, you are very likely to look, feel, and do your best-physically and mentally.