Most adults have difficult aspects of their lives, involving many hours at work on top of other responsibilities at home. Many spend lots of time in front of computer screens and have to spend time on other things that push exercise down the list of priorities. Most folks know in their minds that they should get exercise and follow better diets so that they can take care of themselves. However, such good intentions usually get lost in the daily rat race.

It's possible for the young or healthy to get away with that for a while, but over time, physical inactivity and lack of exercise dramatically increases the risk of major illnesses and conditions that you don't want. Coronary heart disease and high blood pressure are two of them. Stroke is a growing possibility, as is a metabolic syndrome, be it unhealthy blood cholesterol levels or obesity. Type 2 diabetes can seriously change your life, and your odds of breast and colon cancer both go way up. Depression is an increased risk, and above all else, your chances of dying from any cause go up too.

How dangerous is a lack of exercise regarding illness? Research has shown that smoking is less harmful than living a lifestyle that is sedentary. A study done by the University of Hong Kong and Department of Health confirmed that 1 out of 5 deaths for folks 35 and up were attributable to not getting enough physical activity. Additionally, this lack of any physical activity boosted a person's odds of dying from cancer by 28 percent in women and 45 percent in men. The risk of death from a respiratory ailment rose 75 percent in women and 92 percent in men. The chances of dying from something like heart disease rose 28 percent in women and 52 percent in men.

Duke University Medical Center also has research showing the risks of a sedentary lifestyle leading to illness and death. It pointed out that sitting around too much leads to a more than 8 percent increase in visceral fat in the first six months of inactivity. This fat that accumulates around belly organs helped inactive people gain 4 or more pounds per year.

Exercise and fitness achievement are necessary to avoid all this and manage risks. The standard recommendation is 2.5 hours of moderately intense aerobic activities, or 150 minutes a week. You can also do 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. Moderate level activities usually include walking or cycling, doing household chores, and playing sports or games.

Other benefits of exercise include sleeping better, improving your resistance to fighting off infections, and letting your brain work smarter and better, on top of dramatically lowering your chances of all the diseases listed above. You'll also live longer. If you want to exercise for weight loss, surpass the previously stated recommendation and go for 30 to 60 minutes a day.

Exercise is work, even if sometimes the right company and activity can make it fun. Still, it's worth it, because every hour you invest in it delivers dividends regarding health and longevity.

Author's Bio: 

Torsi is a professional blogger.