The benefits of regular physical activity are hard to ignore. Exercise can help prevent chronic health conditions, give you more energy and even help you live a longer, happier life. These benefits can be yours no matter what your age. Click here to learn about seven specific ways that exercise can improve your life.

Charlotte, North Carolina installed its first light rail system from residential areas to the downtown business district in 2007, giving local researchers the perfect opportunity to study the health of commuters before and after regular use of public transportation. They found that these commuters lowered their body mass index by 1.18 points on average, equivalent to weight-loss between 6 and 8 pounds, depending on height. This health benefit came from adding about 1 extra mile per day of walking to a typical commute, going to and from the closest rail stop. Read more.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has released its yearly ranking of the country’s healthiest major metropolitan areas. In the report, physical activity and places that promote physical activity are seen as especially important to a community’s health. Healthy cities have ample land devoted to parks and other recreational areas - such as playgrounds and ball-fields - and require physical education in all schools. A high percentage of people in the healthiest cities also walk, bike, and use public transportation to get to work. Having access to many farmers markets is also key. Regarding personal health, the healthiest cities have low rates of obesity and tobacco use and a high percentage of people with health insurance. Read more.

If you dread trips to the gym, but want to exercise nonetheless, try having some fun that gets you physically active instead. Here’s a list of things you can do to get some exercise and get you out of that workout rut. Photo from: Clipart.com