Regular physical activity reduces many major mortality risk factors including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1402378/). The relative risk of death is approximately 20% to 35% lower in physically active and fit persons compared to that in inactive and unfit persons. Physical inactivity represents a major independent risk factor for mortality accounting for up to 10% of all deaths in the European region (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21181084/). Hence, because a 40% lower mortality rate corresponds to an approximately 5-year higher life expectancy one would expect an approximately 3.5-4.0-year higher life expectancy in physically active persons compared to that in inactive persons. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395188/#:~:text=All%20studies%20reported%20a%20higher,%3A%203.9%20%C2%B1%201.8%20years) Exercise makes your muscles work and burn calories. Exercises are activities designed to improve physical fitness, enhance health and prepare the body to meet the demands of life. Physical activities like running, swimming, walking, jogging and dancing are often used synonymously with exercise.
