Better mood

Adding more movement to your life can immediately reduce feelings of anxiety and help you sleep better. One possible explanation is that physical activity produces endorphins, or “feel good” chemicals in the brain, helping you deal with stress. Try taking a walk during your work breaks to give your mood a quick boost, and forming or joining a walking group to help you stay socially connected to your neighbors and friends.

Better brain function 

Physical activity helps to increase blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and mental clarity. Staying physically active can keep your thinking, learning and judgment skills sharp and delay their decline as you age.

More money in your wallet

In the U.S., $117 billion in health care costs each year are related to low physical activity. Not getting enough physical activity can increase your risk of developing a chronic disease, which comes with higher health care costs. Staying active is good for your health and your wallet, too.

Lower risk of heart disease and stroke

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. About 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if U.S. adults age 40 and older increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by even 10 minutes a day.

Being regularly active strengthens your heart muscle and lowers your blood pressure to help reduce your risk of developing these diseases. Regular physical activity can also improve your cholesterol levels.

Lower risk of type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, including approximately 18,000 Costco employees and their enrolled dependents. Another 88 million U.S. adults have a condition called prediabetes, which puts them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity makes your body more sensitive to insulin, the hormone that controls levels of sugar in your blood. This can help prevent type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes (type 1 or type 2), you can help control your blood sugar levels by staying active.

Lower risk of some cancers

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity can help keep the immune system healthy and regulate some hormones that contribute to the development of cancer. Being active can lower risks of cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, lung and stomach.

Stronger bones and muscles

Aging can cause bones to become weak and fragile over time. We also tend to lose muscle as we age. Doing aerobic, muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening physical activities of at least moderate intensity can increase muscle mass and slow the loss of bone density. Being physically active also strengthens muscles around joints to ease arthritis pain, and improves balance and coordination to reduce the risk of hip fracture.

Less time away from work

People who are not physically active tend to miss work unexpectedly. Want to add some activity to your workday? Try talking on the go, physical activity breaks during long meetings or taking a walk during your lunch break.

Better grades in school

For kids, school physical activity programs can improve attention and some measures of academic performance. Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, brain function and classroom behaviors. For kids with ADHD, exercise can also be a big help in managing their symptoms.

Improved relationships

In addition to producing “feel good” endorphins, physical activity reduces levels of your body’s stress hormones. And with less stress comes more patience, positivity and empathy. Make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together.