Exercise improves your health and sense of well-being, which gives you more energy every day. Find the connection between exercise and stress relief, and learn why exercise should be part of your stress management plan. Almost any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. By planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can begin a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime. Assess your fitness six weeks after you start your program. Physical activity also can help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. Physical activity stimulates many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious. It also can help improve cognitive function and helps lower the risk of death from all causes. Any amount of activity is better than none. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. You can do strength training by using weight machines or free weights, your own body weight, heavy bags, or resistance bands. Vigorous aerobic exercise includes activities such as running, swimming laps, heavy yardwork and aerobic dancing. Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, biking, swimming and mowing the lawn. Exercise with a friend or take a class at a fitness center. If you lose motivation, set new goals or try a new activity. Or you may find that you're exercising about the right amount to meet your fitness goals. You can use them to track the distance you walk, track calories you burn or check your heart rate. You may want to try out some types of equipment at a gym or fitness center before buying your own equipment. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. Exercise and physical activity can be fun. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. Everyone benefits from exercise, no matter their age, sex or physical ability. You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Starting a fitness program may be one of the best things you can do for your health. By planning and pacing yourself, you can make fitness a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime. Starting a fitness program may be one of the best things for health. For instance, if you can't fit in one 30-minute walk during the day, try a few five-minute walks instead. Even brief bouts of activity offer benefits. The more hours you sit each day, the higher your risk of metabolic problems. Cutting down on sitting time is important, too. When you take part in physical activity, you burn calories. Check out these seven ways that exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you. From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life. Don't think of exercise as one more thing on your to-do list. Exercise also has some clear benefits to relieve your stress. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices.Regular trips to the gym are great, but don't worry if you can't find a large chunk of time to exercise every day.Vigorous aerobic exercise includes activities such as running, swimming laps, heavy yardwork and aerobic dancing.Or you may find that you're exercising about the right amount to meet your fitness goals.What's most important is making regular physical activity part of your lifestyle.If you're planning to buy exercise equipment, choose something that's practical, fun and easy to use.We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested.Are you thinking about starting a fitness program? Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity Be sure to pick shoes made for the activity you have in mind. You'll probably start with athletic shoes. It can help with weight loss, sleep and self-esteem. Exercise to feel better and have fun Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep and deepen your sleep. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores. Or need to lower stress after a stressful day? To gain the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day. Follow Mayo Clinic Even brief bouts of activity offer benefits.Physical activity also can help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting.You'll probably start with athletic shoes.For instance, if you can't fit in one 30-minute walk during the day, try a few five-minute walks instead.Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever.By planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can begin a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime.Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. Starting an exercise program is an important decision. You may need to add more exercise time. Try using fitness apps for smart devices or other activity tracking devices. If you're planning to buy exercise equipment, choose something that's practical, fun and easy to use. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Also check with a health care professional if you have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. Appointments at Mayo Clinic Are you thinking about starting a fitness program? The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Any form of physical activity can help you unwind and become an important part of your approach to easing stress. And you can start a fitness program in only five steps. Physical activity can lower the risk of long-lasting disease and improve balance and coordination.Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more.You may want to try out some types of equipment at a gym or fitness center before buying your own equipment.Find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your weekly and daily plan.Or need to lower stress after a stressful day? Exercise combats health conditions and diseases Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.Starting a fitness program doesn't have to overwhelm you.Starting an exercise plan is just the first step.Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.Exercise with a friend or take a class at a fitness center.Starting a fitness program may be one of the best things for health. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health and have fun. Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and give you more confidence about your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life. Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress Physical activity stimulates many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.If you lose motivation, set new goals or try a new activity.And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.Cutting down on sitting time is important, too.Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.Exercise can improve balance and the ability to move smoothly, called coordination. It's easy to say that you'll exercise every day. Physical activity can lower the risk of long-lasting disease and improve balance and coordination. Regular exercise can help you control your weight. And some research has found that people who've lost weight may be more likely to keep off the lost weight by sitting less during the day. Learn about your fitness level and write down your scores before you start your program. Starting a fitness program doesn't have to overwhelm you. Then find ways to keep your fitness program on track. Any form of physical activity can help you unwind and become an important part of your approach to easing stress.To gain the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day.You're only five steps away from a healthier lifestyle.Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, biking, swimming and mowing the lawn.Be sure to pick shoes made for the activity you have in mind.Physical activity can lower the risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.Assess your fitness six weeks after you start your program. Get started The rewards of exercise are for everyone, no matter the age, sex or physical ability.It's easy to say that you'll exercise every day.When you take part in physical activity, you burn calories.Any amount of activity is better than none.When making your exercise plan, keep your fitness goals in mind.Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health and have fun.Then find ways to keep your fitness program on track. You're only five steps away from a healthier lifestyle. The rewards of exercise are for everyone, no matter the age, sex or physical ability. It can help with weight loss and boost self-esteem. Exercise can improve balance and the ability to move smoothly, called coordination. Physical activity can lower the risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Starting an exercise program is an important decision.Check out these seven ways that exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you.It can help with weight loss and boost self-esteem.If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more.Or need to lower stress after a stressful day?And some research has found that people who've lost weight may be more likely to keep off the lost weight by sitting less during the day.You may want to try out some types of equipment at a gym or fitness center before buying your own equipment.Find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your weekly and daily plan.Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Regular trips to the gym are great, but don't worry if you can't find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your weekly and daily plan. What's most important is making physical activity part of your lifestyle every week. Starting an exercise plan is just the first step. A successful exercise program begins with a few simple steps. If you're not an athlete or you're out of shape, you can still use exercise to help manage your stress. There's good news when it comes to exercise and stress. But you're too busy and stressed to fit it into your daily plan. Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Find the connection between exercise and stress relief, and learn why exercise should be part of your stress management plan.You may need to add more exercise time.Regular exercise can help you control your weight.Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and give you more confidence about your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life.Don't think of exercise as one more thing on your to-do list.And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox When making your exercise plan, keep your fitness goals in mind. What's most important is making regular physical activity part of your lifestyle. Sitting too much can negatively affect your health and longevity, even if you get the minimum suggested amount of daily physical activity. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.