Physical exercise
“ Workout” and“ Exercise” redirect here. For other uses, see Workout( disambiguation) and Exercise( disambiguation). Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, including increasing growth and development, preventing aging, strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, and also enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system [ citation needed ] and helps prevent certain“ diseases of affluence” such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity [ citation needed ]. It may also help prevent stress [ citation needed ] and depression, increase quality of sleep and act as a non-pharmaceutical sleep aid to treat diseases such as insomnia, help promote or maintain positive self-esteem, improve mental health, maintain steady digestion and treat constipation and gas, regulate fertility health, and augment an individual’ s sex appeal or body image. Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, and physical exercise may help decrease some of the effects of childhood and adult obesity.[ citation needed ] Some care-providers [ which?] call exercise the“ miracle” or“ wonder” drug— alluding to the wide variety of benefits that it can provide for many individuals. Aside from the health advantages, these benefits may include different social rewards for staying active while enjoying the environment of one’ s culture. Many [ quantify ] individuals choose to exercise publicly outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and appreciate life.
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