Women and Physical Activity: Active Lifestyles Enhance Health and Well-Being

Abstract

Lifelong physical activity promotes health and well-being for women throughout the lifecycle. Exercise benefits include prevention of many common disorders such as heart disease, high blood pressure, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancers of the breast, colon, and reproductive organs. Regular physical activity contributes to lifelong weight control and functional independence in old age. Mental health benefits include psychological well-being, the alleviation of depression, and improved body image. Education regarding the health benefits of physical activity must be accompanied by access to enjoyable physical activity opportunities for girls and women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.