• Improves the efficiency of the heart and lowers the risk of heart disease and cancer
• Decreases body weight
• Improves glucose tolerance and prevents diabetes
• Lowers Low Density Lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and raises High Density Lipoprotein (good) cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis (in women) and dementia in old age
• It causes release of endorphins and nor-epinephrine in the brain. They are hormone like substances which elevates mood and create a sense of wellbeing. Endorphins cause feelings of contentment and pleasure which helps one to relax and reduce stress in a positive way. Endorphin has calming effect.
• Increases energy level and promotes more peaceful sleep. Aerobic exercise has antidepressant effect.
• Good mood and sense of well being
• If the exercise is enjoyable to the person doing it, it decreases the stress response compared to rigorous exercise that is like a punishment.