“The evidence is clear—physical activity can make you feel better, function better, and sleep better. Even one session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Physical Activity Health Benefits Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Active Living
- Exercise
- Fitness
- Health
- Health Benefits
- Physical Activity
Definition
What is physical activity?
DotS the definition of physical activity may vary. In Physical Activity: What Is Physical Activity? the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:
Health Benefits
Is there an association between health benefits and physical activity?
In Physical Activity the WHO elaborate on:
In Physical Activity: Physical Activity Basics – How Much Physical Activity Do You Need? the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention elaborate on:
In Exercise: Benefits of Exercise: Health Benefits the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) elaborate on:

- Up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- Up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- Up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer
- Up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer
- A 30% lower risk of early death
- Up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
- Up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture
- A 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)
- Up to a 30% lower risk of depression
- Up to a 30% lower risk of dementia”.5
Breast Cancer
Is there an association between breast cancer and physical activity?
In Physical Activity and Cancer: What Is Known About the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Cancer Risk? the (United States) National Cancer Institute elaborate on:
- “Breast cancer: Many studies have shown that physically active women have a lower risk of breast cancer than inactive women. In a 2016 meta-analysis that included 38 cohort studies, the most physically active women had a 12–21% lower risk of breast cancer than those who were least physically active. Physical activity has been associated with similar reductions in risk of breast cancer among both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Women who increase their physical activity after menopause may also have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who do not”.6
Mood
Is there an association between mood and physical activity?
In 5 Things You Should Know About Stress: 4. There Are Ways To Manage Stress the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health note:
- “Get Regular Exercise. Just 30 minutes per day of walking can help boost your mood and improve your health”.7
On page 56 in Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition: Chapter 4. Active Adults – Key Guidelines for Adults the (United States) Department of Health and Human Services explain:
Physical Inactivity
Is there an association between mortality and physical inactivity?
According to the WHO:
“Physical inactivity (insufficient physical activity) is one of the leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and death worldwide. To individuals, the failure to enjoy adequate levels of physical activity increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 20–30% and shortens lifespan by 3–5 years. Moreover, physical inactivity burdens society through the hidden and growing cost of medical care and loss of productivity”.9
Never Too Late To Start
Is it never too late to start physical activity?
In Physical Activity & Exercise the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
Activity for 30 minutes on most days of the week will provide you with sustainable health benefits”.10
Health Care Provider
What if I am going to start doing physical activity?
If you are going to start doing physical activity, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
In Physical Activity: Information – Getting Started the (United States) MedlinePlus note:
- You have diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or another long-term illness
- You are obese
- You have not been very active lately
- You get chest pains or shortness of breath when you are active”.11
In Fitness: In-Depth – Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity – The Bottom Line on Exercise the (United States) Mayo Clinic caution:
“Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns”.12
In Physical Activity & Exercise: Starting An Exercise Program – Exercise Physiologists the JH caution:
“If you have a medical condition, are overweight, are pregnant, over 40 years of age or have not exercised regularly for a long time, see a health professional for medical advice before increasing your activity. They can refer you to an accredited exercise physiologist who can help you design an activity plan that is safe and helpful to your individual needs”.13
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Physical Activity Health Benefits?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Physical Activity and Health Benefits?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- 5 Things You Should Know About Stress: 4. There Are Ways To Manage Stress
- BMI Calculator
- Be Physically Active
- Benefits of Exercise
- Benefits of Physical Activity
- Consumer Health: 7 Benefits of Regular Exercise
- Daily Food and Activity Diary
- Eat Well: Food and Drinks for Sport
- Eight Hours of Interval Sprinting Can Reverse Negative Effects of Menopause
- Every Move Counts Towards Better Health – Says WHO
- Every Move Counts – Launch of the New WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviours
- Exercise
- Exercise Calorie Calculator
- Exercise To Prevent Heart Disease
- Exercise and Immunity
- Exercise and Physical Activity
- Exercise and Physical Fitness
- Exercise and Stress: Get Moving To Manage Stress
- Exercise: A Guide To Tai Chi
- Exercise for Busy People: Making Time for Your Health
- Exercise for Older Adults
- Exercise for Your Bone Health
- Exercise, Lifestyle, and Your Bones
- Exercise: 10-Minute Workouts
- Exercise: Benefits of Exercise
- Exercise: Benefits of Exercise: What Counts? Keep Healthy With 150 Minutes of Exercise A Week [Video]
- Exercise: Get Active Your Way
- Exercise: Get Fit for Free
- Exercise: Gym-Free Exercises
- Exercise: Walking for Health
- Fitness
- Fitness After 40: Building the Right Workout for A Better Body
- Fitness Basics
- Fitness Studio Exercise Videos
- Fitness Tips for Menopause: Why Fitness Counts
- Fitness and Exercise [Topics]
- Fitness: Basics – Fitness: Basics
- Fitness: In-Depth – 10,000 Steps A Day: Too Low? Too High?
- Fitness: In-Depth – Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- Fitness: In-Depth – Fitting In Fitness: Finding Time for Physical Activity
- For the Best Health, Does the Intensity of Your Workout Matter?
- Get Active
- Get Moving: Key Takeaways From the New Physical Activity Guidelines
- Get Walking With This 12-Week Walking Schedule
- Get the Facts on Exercise and Chronic Disease
- Getting Active
- Getting Active
- Guide To Physical Activity
- Health Risks of An Inactive Lifestyle
- Healthy Weight: Physical Activity for A Healthy Weight
- How To Measure Your Waist
- How To ‘Move More’ and Reach Your Physical Activity Goals
- In the Loop: Exercise Doesn’t Have To Be “Exercise”
- Infographic: Exercise Is Medicine
- Infographic: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Infographic: Physical Exercise Is Good Medicine
- Let’s Get Physical
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- May Is National Osteoporosis Month [United States]: 10,000 Steps A Day In May Challenge
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Updated Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Patient, Survivors
- Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Lifestyle & Menopause Symptoms
- Menopause and Depression
- Midlife Weight Gain: What’s Really Going On
- Moveyourway [Move Your Way: Walk. Run. Dance. Play. What’s Your Move?]
- One Hour Per Week of Exercise Protects Against Depression Study Shows
- Personal Story: Sara Santiago: A Gym’s Strong Community Helped Her Get Fit
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity & Exercise
- Physical Activity & Exercise: Tools To Help – Weekly Activity Diary
- Physical Activity & Exercise: Tools To Help – Why Exercise & Physical Activity Is So Important
- Physical Activity and Cancer
- Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
- Physical Activity for A Healthy Weight
- Physical Activity: Adding Physical Activity To Your Life
- Physical Activity: Benefits of Physical Activity
- Physical Activity: How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?
- Physical Activity: Physical Activity Basics
- Physical Activity: Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate
- Physical Activity: Why It Matters
- Risk Factors: Cardiovascular Risk Factors – Modifiable Risk Factors: Physical Inactivity and Cardiovascular Disease
- Staying Active: Physical Activity and Exercise: FAQ
- The Effect of Sprint Interval Training on Body Composition of Postmenopausal Women
- The Exercise Effect
- Tips To Help You Get Active
- Tips To Keep Moving
- Tips To Lower Stress Infographic
- Tips for Getting Your Steps In
- Tips for Starting Physical Activity
- Walking
- Walking: A Step In the Right Direction
- Walkingforhealth.org.uk [Walking for Health]
- Women and Physical Activity
- Women’s Health: In-Depth – Fitness Tips for Menopause: Why Fitness Counts
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Physical Activity: Physical Activity Basics – How Much Physical Activity Do You Need? Page Last Reviewed: 20 November 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity. What Is Physical Activity? 26 November 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity: Physical Activity Basics – How Much Physical Activity Do You Need? Page Last Reviewed: 20 November 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Exercise: Benefits of Exercise: Health Benefits. Page Last Reviewed: 11 June 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/#health-benefits Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity and Cancer: What Is Known About the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Cancer Risk? Reviewed: 10 February 2020. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet#q2 Accessed: 11 February 2021
- 5 Things You Should Know About Stress: 4. There Are Ways To Manage Stress: Get Regular Exercise. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition: Chapter 4. Active Adults – Key Guidelines for Adults. 2018:56. Department of Health and Human Services https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf#page=55 Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Non Communicable Diseases and Their Risk factors: Physical Activity. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/ncds/prevention/physical-activity/introduction/en/ Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity & Exercise. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Revised: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/physical-activity-exercise/ Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity: Information – Getting Started. Review Date: 13 May 2019. Page Last Updated: 08 February 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Fitness: In-Depth – Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity – The Bottom Line on Exercise. 11 May 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Physical Activity & Exercise: Starting An Exercise Program – Exercise Physiologists. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Revised: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/physical-activity-exercise/ Accessed: 11 February 2021