If I have a chronic disease, is working out still good for me?

If you have a chronic disease — such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or back and joint pain exercise can not only improve your health but help manage your symptoms as well. If you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up gradually. Ask your doctor what kind of exercise goals you can safely set for yourself as you progress. Start with moving more and sitting less. Work your way up to moving more each day. In general, try to accumulate about 30 minutes of physical activity a day at least five days a week. For example, try walking briskly for about 30 minutes most days of the week. You can even break physical activity up into short chunks of time spread throughout the day. Any activity is better than none at all.

Exercise is not only beneficial for your physique but for your overall health. It’s no secret physical activity can help you control your weight and boost your overall energy but most importantly change your overall health from the inside out. The benefits of working out are truly unlimited. Physical activity can not only lower your risk of heart disease but reduce pain, blood sugar levels and reduce joint stiffness. Maintaining a regular low-impact aerobic activity can increase strength and endurance in your back and improve muscle function as you get older. Recent studies show that those who work out on a regular basis are more likely to experience cognitive impairment. As they get older, working out, being physical and simply getting your body to move has lasting health effect for years to come.