Primary Navigation for the CDC Website
CDC en EspaƱol

 Physical Activity for Everyone
Email Icon Email this page
Printer Friendly Icon Printer-friendly version

Introduction

Family running on the beach togetherWho ever said physical activity is all work and no play? In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous exercise or boring workouts. Instead, imagine doing fun physical activities you enjoy and watch the health benefits follow!

Regular physical activity may help reduce your risk for many diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, and osteoporosis. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among older adults.

Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. 25% of adults are not active at all in their leisure time.1

back to top


References

1CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity U.S. Physical Activity Statistics
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/PASurveillance/DemoComparev.asp

PDF Document Icon Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.

* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.

Page last reviewed: March 24, 2008
Page last updated: April 10, 2008
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
 What is a healthy diet? Find out in Nutrition Basics.