Regular exercise for children is vital for stimulating, general fitness and for mental health. Exercise is a key factor in tackling childhood obesity, and learning good habits for adult life. It plays an important role in developing the strength of bones and protecting against osteoporosis 9the loss of calcium and weakening of bones) in later life.

For adults, there is a wealth of evidence as to the benefits of exercise, which extend to the following conditions:

Coronary Heart Disease – 50% risk reduction for most active compared with least active.

Stroke – 30% reduction in events

High Blood Pressure

High Cholesterol

Obesity

Diabetes – 33-50% reduction in risk of developing diabetes, >60% reduction in those at greatest risk of developing diabetes.

Cancer – life long exercise provides most protection. Reduces risk of cancer of the colon(50%) and breast (30%). Possible small reduction in prostate cancer.

Mental Health – proven benefits for depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. in depression, exercise is as effective as psychotherapy or tablets.

Osteoporosis – exercise maintains bone strength, reduces risk of falls and fractures.

Feel good factor – regular exercise gives people greater happiness with more energy and motivation. Better self image, better sleep.

Dementia – recent research suggests that exercise has a preventative role and a delaying role.