Benefits of Exercise

Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States. Regular physical activity improves health in the following ways:

• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
• Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Helps control weight.
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
• Promotes psychological well-being.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE

• Corporate Wellness
• Reduced Absenteeism and Disability Time
• Improved Productivity and Morale
• Positive Return on Investment
• Reduced Employee Turnover
• Reduced Costs and Medical Claims

“For small business owners who often measure profits in thousands — not millions — of dollars, the net effect of an employee wellness program could mean the difference between profit and loss.” -William M. Kizer Chairman, Central States Indemnity, Well Workplace Gold, Founding Chairman, Wellness Councils of America, “Corporate Wellness Makes A Bottom-Line Impact”, Wellness Councils of America

“We have found that 60% — well over half of Americans — are not regularly active. Worse yet, 25% of Americans are not active at all. We need to turn [these trends] around quickly, for the health of our citizens and our country. Businesses need to learn from what has worked in the past and promote worksite fitness, an easy option for workers.” -Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services July 1996