People could significantly improve their health and quality of life by practising some form of physical activity on a regular basis. According to the American Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, regular, moderate physical activity is beneficial in decreasing fatigue, strengthening muscles and bones, increasing flexibility and stamina, and improving an overall sense of well-being.

- Keep joints moving

- Strengthen muscles around the joints

- Strengthen and maintain bone and cartilage tissue

- Improve overall ability to do everyday activities

- Improve health and fitness by:

* increasing energy level,

* improving sleep,

* assisting weight control

* improving overall cardiovascular condition

* decreasing depression

* improving self-esteem and emotional health

Lack of exercise contributes to:

- Smaller and weaker muscles

- Brittle bones

- Pain

- Disfigured joints that stay in one position for so long that the ability to straighten them may be lost

- Loss of mobility in joints that may become locked in a position if they are not routinely worked

A balanced exercise programme is best. It should include a combination of the three main types of exercise:

-Range-of-Motion Exercises: These are basic stretching exercises to keep joints supple and mobile by moving them in their "range-of-motion" the normal distance joints can move in certain directions.

- Strengthening Exercises: These are beneficial because they help maintain or increase muscle strength. Common ones include isometric exercises (tightening muscles without moving joints) and isotonic exercises (moving joints without strengthening muscles).