Exercise is a physical activity that has a plan, structure, and is repetitive for the purpose of conditioning any part of the body. Physical activity is a way to improve health, maintain fitness, and is important as a means of physical rehabilitation.
A well-balanced program can improve general health, build endurance, and slow many of the effects of aging. The benefits of working out not only improve physical health. It also enhances emotional well-being and overall mental health.
When losing weight, more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy or “burns off.” The burning of calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the number of calories you eat, creates a “calorie deficit” that results in weight loss.
Working out provides a means of increasing energy expenditure. It may help adjust energy balance for weight loss and maintenance. At least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per day is recommended for weight loss and maintenance. But, greater amounts appear to increase the magnitude of weight loss and maintenance.
Regardless of weight loss, both aerobic exercise and resistance training have been shown to diminish risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Exercise is only effective when maintained. Behavioral strategies such as self-monitoring, goal setting or social support are used to help individuals start and maintain exercise programs. Those individuals show improved results compared to exercise programs without behavioral strategies. The available evidence indicates that exercise is an important component of weight loss. Not only that but perhaps the best predictor of weight maintenance.