Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. People who lead an active life are more likely to live longer and less likely to develop serious diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Physical activity can ease the symptoms of certain long-term health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).Exercise not only improves your physical health, it also helps to reduce anxiety and lowers your risk of other mental health conditions such as depression. Whatever your age physical activity plays an important part in your health and well-being. Some people think it is only sportsmen and women who need to build physical activity into their lives. However everyone needs to keep their bodies working well in order to be healthy. Physical activity is necessary to stimulate the body's own natural maintenance and repair system. Your bones, joints and muscles - especially your heart - will actually stay younger if you keep them busy. If you are not physically active you increase your health risks in many ways.