According to the Physical Activity and Health report from the US Surgeon General,

• More than 60% of US adults don’t engage in the recommended amount of activity.
• About a quarter of adults are not active at all.
• Physical inactivity is more common among:
  • Women than men
  • African American and Hispanic adults than whites
  • Older than younger adults
  • Less affluent than more affluent people
• Social support from family and friends has been consistently and positively related to regular physical activity.

The benefits of physical activity are broad and important. It:

• Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease
• Lowers your chance of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes
• Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Fosters improvement in mood and feelings of well-being
• Helps control blood sugar and weight, develop lean muscle, and reduce body fat

Related information Fitness Basics - benefits