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The Benefits of Being Active

Lower your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases with these quick stretching exercises.

An older woman stretching in her home.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sponsored content provided by Arnicare.

Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. As little as 30 minutes a day of moderate activity can help lower your risk for heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and even some types of cancer, according to experts from Arnicare

Another benefit worth cheering is that by keeping active daily you can maintain a more healthy weight while building strong muscles and bones, especially important as you age. Not only will you look better, you will feel better too. The list of benefits goes on and on.

However, before you pick up your sneakers be sure to keep this in mind. You need to prime your muscles and increase your flexibility by stretching before and after an exercise or a physical activity. Stretching muscles when they are not properly warmed up increases your risk of injury like a pulling or tearing a muscle. You can warm up your muscles by walking and gently swinging your arms, engaging in a low-intensity exercise for five minutes or practicing a low-impact yoga pose. Be sure to hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds.

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