The benefits of physical activity can be put into three categories 1. PHYSICAL 2. MENTAL 3. SOCIAL Physical benefits can be about either increasing (physical) fitness or about improving (physical) health. Some examples of improving physical fitness would be: 1. Increased strength 2. Increased muscular endurance 3. Increased cardiovascular fitness 4. Increased flexibility Some examples of health benefits are: 1. Stronger bones which would reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis 2. Reduced chance of coronary heart disease (CHD) 3. Reduced chance of a stroke 4. Reduced chance of obesity Mental benefits of taking part in physical activity include: 1. The 'feel good factor' - doing exercise makes you feel good by increasing SEROTONIN levels 2. Stress relief 3. Increase in self confidence and self esteem Some mental benefits occur because taking part in physical activity provide mental stimulation. These can be mental and physical benefits. These include: 1. Competition 2. Aesthetic appreciation - recognising the quality or skill of movement in an activity Social benefits include: 1. Meeting new people and making new friends 2. Improving cooperation 3. Increased social activities 4. Opportunities to get together with existing friends