by Joseph Yannuzzi Jr.

Created on: August 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

There is nothing more beneficial and exhilarating to a persons well being, than a good exercise program. Anyone, regardless of age, can participate in at least some type of moderate physical activity. In fact, only 30 minutes of exercise each day can make a significant difference in how we look and feel.

The benefits of exercise are endless. It can add longevity to our lives and help fight disease. For instance, a brisk walk on a daily basis, can help reduce the chance of a heart attack by 30 to 40 percent. It can also significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Exercise also helps us burn calories and control weight. Excess weight or obesity makes our heart work faster and harder, and increases the chance of a heart attack. A good workout program benefits the heart, fuels our metabolism and helps us burn fat and calories long after our workout ends. As a result, maintaining an appropriate weight enables our body to cope better with other health related issues.

A good exercise routine can improve circulation, help lower cholesterol levels and has a positive impact on our blood pressure. Walking or jogging is a moderate form of exercise that helps our bodies use more insulin, and lowers the incidence of diabetes in many people.

As many of us grow older, exercise becomes even more important, because we suffer the loss of strength and stamina due to the lack of physical activity. Weight training is an excellent exercise to counter inactivity, because it builds muscle and restores strength, and endurance. If you cannot use free weights, many fitness centers offer a variety of exercise machines that produce the same results, and are less strenuous. Weight training also aids in easing the pain of arthritis, by increasing the range of movement in the arms and legs, and improving joint condition over time.

Today, many people suffer from back pain, which makes exercise difficult or nearly impossible. Weak muscles are usually the underlying cause of back pain. In order to correct this problem, the lower back muscles must be worked and strengthened. Strengthening the muscles that support the spine with back and abdominal exercises, can also help ease or eliminate back pain.

There are also a wide variety of stretching exercises that are effective in strengthening the upper body, arms and legs, and lower back muscles. Stretching also keeps our bodies flexible and helps us avoid injuries

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