Aerobic exercise decreases the risk of many chronic diseases and premature death. Benefits include reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, Type II Diabetes, breast and colon cancer, osteoporosis fracture, gall bladder disease, obesity, and depression. Aerobic exercise also reduces anxiety.

Individuals who change from a sedentary lifestyle to being physically active or who change from being physically unfit to physically fit experience lower rates of disease and premature mortality compared with those who continue to remain sedentary or unfit. This holds true for all age groups including those over 80 years of age. It is never too late to become physically active and to achieve the health benefits of physical activity.