Benefits

 

Exercise can also:

• increase the body's overall metabolic rate

• lower blood sugar levels

• increase the proportion of lean muscle tissue and reduce the proportion of fat mass

• lower blood pressure

• reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol

• increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol

• lower blood triglycerides

• increase the breakdown of insoluble fibrous protein (fibrin)

• boost insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to prevent or control type 2 diabetes

• boost the immune system; for example, by increasing the circulation of natural killer cells that help fight off bacteria and viruses, and possibly protecting against some types of cancer

• decrease inflammation

• reduce oxidative stress

• help reverse damage to cells, tissues, and organs caused by ongoing wear and tear as well as by various chronic diseases.