ABSTRACT
Regular exercise is inexpensive and has many health and cardiovascular benefits, but most people in the UK do not exercise enough. Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk and all –cause mortality and has major psychological benefits. Primary care health professionals have a pivotal role and responsibility to educate patients and encourage them to exercise. The beneficial effects of exercise on the lipid profile are most pronounced in overweight patients with high triglyceride levels and low high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. Exercise alone has a modest effect on weight loss over several months. Regular physical activity delays and may prevent hypertension, and it lowers blood pressure in hypertensives. Exercise and maintenance of optimal weight prevent the onset of diabetes. Regular exercise increases the likelihood of successful smoking cessation. Exercise improves self-esteem, reduces stress and anxiety and is a useful adjunctive therapy for depression. Regular endurance training results in muscular, cardiovascular and neurohumoral changes which improve functional capacity and strength.
