How exercise helps
A six-year study that looked at 33,060 runners and 15,045 walkers found that walking can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running. The American Heart Association also reports yoga may lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Remember, it's not just a lack of activity in general that puts us in danger, but staying sedentary. Experts advise a break from your chair every 30 minutes.