Studies have shown that those who are physically active have a greater chance of living longer. Del Sanden writes in his article on exercise statistics: "People who exercise for 7 hours a week are 40% less likely to die early than people who are active for less than 30 minutes a week." This statement is one of many statements in his article that demonstrate the importance of fitness; It has the ability to improve the quality of life. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of many diseases, improve physical body function and psychological health. Fitness by definition is the condition of being physically fit and healthy. It doesn't necessarily mean workouts in the gym, it means being active. When you are active, movement helps the blood circulate better, increases oxygen supply, thus reducing the risks of many diseases. Good blood flow is associated with good cardiovascular health. In other words, physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attack, hypertension, stroke and many other heart-related diseases. Cardio activities like walking or running are like weight lifting, which builds cardio muscle. It's what gets your blood pumping, resulting in better health. Because it prevents obesity so common in the United States, it has become one of the most talked about benefits of fitness. Being active provides protection against obesity. Activity burns fat calories by preventing accumulation or eliminating unwanted fat. The problem with fat accumulation is that it slowly eats away at major organs, slowly killing a person. So, obesity is not about appearance, but about health effects. It is serious and considered an epidemic in the United States, being so widespread. Recently there is also… half of the paper… one's body, physically and emotionally. Physical activity improves quality of life. Works Cited1. http://exercise.lovetoknow.com/Exercising_Statistics3. definition of fitness2. minimize cardiovascular/cardiac/health problems http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/04/02/how-to-stop-diabetes-from-starting http: //www. bls.gov/spotlight/2008/sports/ http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/benefits-of-exercise http://www.crlhealth.com/7_Benefits.html https://www.nichd. nih.gov/health/topics/bonehealth/conditioninfo/Pages/activity.aspx http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264201.php http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/ expert-blog/alzheimers/bgp-20055848 http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Exercise-and-Depression-report-excerpt.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental -health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html