Regular aerobic exercise helps prevent heart disease. It does this by slowing the build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart. Active people tend to have larger, cleaner arteries. Aerobic exercise increases the level of the “good” HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, which helps carry the cholesterol out of the arteries, while decreasing the “bad” LDL cholesterol, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Aerobic exercise helps to prevent obstructive blood clots from forming in these arteries.

An additional cardiovascular benefit of aerobic exercise is that it helps to normalize blood pressure, especially in people whose blood pressure is somewhat elevated. Aerobic exercise makes the heart stronger and a more efficient pump. Resting heart rate usually decreases after exercise training because the heart can pump more blood per beat. Therefore, it needs to beat fewer times to circulate the amount of blood.

Exercise improves the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, thus preventing type 2 diabetes.

Weight-bearing exercise prevents the loss of bone mineral that occurs as we age, which can lead to a condition known as osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise includes walking, jogging, aerobics, racquet sports - any activity that applies some force to the bones.

Physical activity also strengthens the muscles and joints and other structures that help hold the body together, like tendons and ligaments.

Exercise helps control body weight and is essential in any weight-loss program. Exercise burns calories, and weight lost through a program of a low fat diet and exercise is more likely to be fat loss, rather than water or muscle tissue loss. Weight loss is more likely to be maintained if a person continues to exercise.

Since a history of repeated weight loss and weight gain can be harmful to your health, slow but sure weight loss that stays off is the best way to go.

By preventing the loss of metabolically active muscle tissue (lean body mass), exercise helps prevent the drop in metabolic rate that sometimes accompanies weight loss and the gradual decline in metabolic rate that occurs as we age.

In many ways, exercise is the antithesis of aging. Exercise can slow the loss of stamina, strength, flexibility, bone density, metabolic rate and general enthusiasm for being active that seems to go with getting older. Exercise gives you the ability to maintain an independent lifestyle and increases the likelihood that you'll enjoy your post-retirement years.

Maintaining flexibility in the muscles of the legs and lower back, and strength in abdominal and back muscles, can help prevent the development of back problems that can be debilitating and very painful.

Exercise makes life more fun! As fitness improves, activity becomes easier, and you're more likely to go out for a hike, or enjoy a day of skiing. Exercise increases your stress resistance, helps you feel more relaxed and even helps you sleep better. An active lifestyle also encourages other health-promoting habits, like avoiding tobacco and alcohol and developing healthful eating habits.

Your fitness instructor can help you design a well-balanced fitness program and help you decide whether you need to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.