• Reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body
• Keeps weight under control
• Improves blood cholesterol levels
• Prevents and manages high blood pressure
• Prevents bone loss
• Boosts energy level
• Helps manage stress
• Releases tension
• Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
• Improves self-image
• Counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism
• Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
• Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
• Establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions (obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, poor lifestyle habits, etc.) that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life
• In older people, helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains quality of life and independence longer

Reprinted with Permission

www.americanheart.org

©2007 American Heart Association, Inc.