Being physically active can help prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions and diseases, including:
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Some cancers including breast and colon
  • Osteoporosis
  • Weight management and obesity
  • Lower your risk of falls and injury

A number of studies have found that exercise helps improve mental well-being and mental health challenges such as reduced anxiety and depression. Other benefits for physical activity include:

  • Increased opportunity for social well-being, by exercising with friends or whānau
  • Increased serotonin release, increased endorphins and reduced stress hormones
  • Improved mood or general happiness
  • Increased muscle and bone strength and endurance

For more information, refer to the Ministry of Health’s Physical Activity Guidelines and the Five ways to wellbeing.

Last updated 27 July 2020.