Exercise can help you control your weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, and even put you in a better mood. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. In fact, exercising every day is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Healthy adults should get 2-1/2 hours of some form of physical activity a week. This includes activities like walking, bike riding, or any household chore that gets your heart beating faster. To make it easier, exercise 10 minutes at a time many times during the day. For example, you can: get off the bus a stop early and walk to the store, scrub the kitchen floor, turn up the music and dance while you vacuum, take a dance break with your children, and use the stairs instead of an elevator.

Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine or changing the one you have. Your doctor can help create an exercise routine that is right for you. If you have a disability or disease that prevents you from being active, your doctor can show you other ways to stay healthy.