Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains
physical fitness and overall
health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, including strengthening
muscles and the
cardiovascular system, honing
athletic skills,
weight loss or maintenance, and merely enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the
immune system and helps prevent the "
diseases of affluence" such as
heart disease,
cardiovascular disease,
Type 2 diabetes, and
obesity. It may also help prevent stress and
depression, help to promote or maintain positive
self-esteem, improve mental health generally, and can augment an individual's sex appeal or body image, which has been found to be linked with higher levels of self-esteem.
Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, and physical exercise may help decrease some of the effects of childhood and adult obesity. Some care providers call exercise the "miracle" or "wonder" drug—alluding to the wide variety of benefits that it can provide for many individuals.