Physical activity is great for everyone, whether you exercise every day or are just starting out. And, you don’t have to do vigorous workouts to get the benefits of physical activity, which include: Stronger muscles (including your heart) and stronger bones Better flexibility and mobility Better circulation Lower risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease Better metabolic markers (blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure) How can I get started? Don’t worry if you have never exercised before, or if you’re out of practice. But, before you start, you should get a checkup from your healthcare provider and ask him or her if there are any kinds of activity you should avoid. Physical activity You do not have to do an exercise routine every day to stay in shape. The movements you do around the house and at work also count. For example, you can build muscle and burn a lot of calories by: Gardening Cleaning the house Walking the dog Playing with your children or grandchildren Taking the stairs instead of the elevator Parking far away and walking Walking or biking to your destination instead of driving Cardio exercise Cardio exercise–sometimes called “aerobic exercise”–is great for your heart, [...]