Summary

Exercise and physical activity have numerous health benefits and are considered forms of healthcare. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends starting where you are and using what you have to engage in physical activity. Physical activity improves mood, sleep, cardiovascular health, immune function, cognitive function, and overall well-being. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart problems, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Exercise has a positive impact on mental health, including depression, by increasing endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin levels in the brain. Despite the known benefits, a majority of Americans do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. Lack of time and knowledge, as well as fear of failure and judgment, are common barriers to physical activity. However, finding creative ways to incorporate movement into daily routines and seeking guidance from fitness professionals or healthcare providers can help overcome these barriers.

References

American College of Sports Medicine: Exercise is Medicine

NCHS Data Brief No. 443, August 2022

NCHS Data Brief No. 399, February 2021

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Advancing Research on Botanicals and Other Natural Products, April 2024

US Food & Drug Administration: Questions & Answers on Dietary Supplements

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Ratey, J. J., & Hagerman, E. (2013). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown.

US Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

PMID: 27707741

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PMID: 30131332

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