The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it’s a risk factor that you can do something about. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits, including lowering high blood pressure. It can also:

* Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system

* Improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better

* Improve heart failure symptoms

* Increase energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath

* Increase endurance

* Improve muscle tone and strength

* Improve balance and joint flexibility

* Strengthen bones

* Help reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight

* Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression

* Boost self-image and self-esteem

* Improve sleep

* Make you feel more relaxed and rested

* Make you look fit and feel healthy

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