Benefits
Physical activity can have benefits at an individual level and at a societal level.
Physical Health Benefits
- Reduces risk of heart disease by as much as half
- Increases recovery from heart attack and reduced risk of having a second heart attack
- Reduces risk of stroke
- Reduces risk of having high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Prevents and treats non-insulin dependent diabetes
- Reduces risk of developing and dying from some cancers, such as colon and breast cancers; and assists with coping, rehabilitation and survival from cancer
- Reduces risk of obesity and weight management
- Decreases body fat
- Increases muscle, muscle strength and bone density
- Reduces risk of chronic disease and death
- Improves quality of life and long term health
- Improves fitness and stamina
- Results in a stronger immune system
- Increases energy
- Improves sleep
Mental Health Benefits
- Improves self esteem and confidence
- Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
- Improves mood and sense of wellbeing
- Improves concentration, enhanced memory and learning, and better performance at school
- Reduces feelings of fatigue and depression
- Improves psychological wellbeing and mental awareness
Social benefits
- Increases community cohesion
- Improves social/community networks and social capital
- Improves family and community connectedness
- Helps to build safer communities
- Reduces sense of isolation and loneliness
Environmental benefits
- Reduces greenhouse emissions
- Reduces traffic congestion
- Reduces air pollution
- Reduces noise pollution
