Facts of Exercise

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Only 20% of people in the UK get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle and satisfactory fitness level. The main reason given for not taking part in enough exercise is lack of time. However, exercise can be fitted into the busiest of lives. For example, half an hour of active gardening such as weeding, raking or mowing the lawn is enough to raise the heart rate sufficiently to improve circulation.

People who exercise regularly have a much lower risk of premature death through heart attack. This is because exercise helps to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots (thrombosis).

Exercise is also believed to help depression and provide natural pain relief. It does this by triggering the release of endorphins, anti-stress hormones that block pain signals from the brain, and serotonin, a chemical compound that affects mood, emotion, sleep and appetite.

Gentle exercise can benefit some medical conditions by increasing suppleness and mobility. Those who have existing conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the joints such as arthritis may have some exercise incorporated into their treatment.