Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and most individuals are not physically active enough to gain any health benefits. Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing, walking or many other activities can help your heart. Whether it's included in a structured exercise program or part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart.

According to the American Heart Association guidelines on physical activity, all healthy adults ages 18-65 should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days of the week. However, there are additional guidelines for those 65 and older, or for those 50-64 with chronic conditions or physical functional limitations (e.g., arthritis) that affect movement ability or physical fitness.
Nowadays, there are various programs to help people get physically active. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life.

The benefits of daily physical activity include reducing the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body. It keeps weight under control and improves blood cholesterol levels. Prevents and manages high blood pressure as well as bone loss. Boosts energy level and helps manage stress.It also releases tension, improves the ability to fall asleep quickly,counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism By increasing muscle strength, exercise also increases the ability to do other physical activities. It provides a way to share an activity with family and friends and establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions (obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, poor lifestyle habits, etc.) that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life. In older people,exerise helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains quality of life and independence longer.

Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of fatal heart diseases.And when physical activities are combined with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaing weight,the payoff is even greater.Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart such as high blood pressure, high cholestrol and diabeties.