Most Americans do little or no exercise during work or rest hours. Today there aren't many jobs requiring intense physical activity. Instead of walking, people use automobiles or public transportation. Instead of being physically active, people usually watch TV in their free time. Some sports such as bowling, golf, and tennis (doubles) provide some exercise, but do not provide as much exercise as other more vigorous sports.

Exercise is very important and is beneficial both physically and mentally. When you exercise, you feel better about yourself because you are fit or your getting fit and you feel that you have accomplished something that was hard to strive for. The benefits of physical activity is it gives you more energy, it helps you in coping with stress, it improves self-image, and it increases resistance of tiredness.

America On-Line. http://www.nih.gov/health/exercise/index.htm Exercise and your heart: A guide to physical activity. (1993) Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of health and human services, 5 pages

If you are wondering how long it would take to be in shape, think about this; look at how long you have been out of shape and it will take about that much time to get back in shape if you exercise properly.

Exercising too hard is not good for anyone, however, and is especially dangerous for out-of-shape, middle-aged and older people. It is very important for all people to follow a gradual and sound exercise program.

Some common words found in the essay are:
, America On-Line, DC Department, Compton's Encyclopedia, physical activity, Health Center, physically active, studies shown, Washington DC, physically active people, chance heart attack, 5 pages, washington dc, heart attack, active people, america on-line, chance heart, shape shape,
Approximate Word count = 746
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)