There is little opportunity to be physically active in our modern day technology driven lifestyles. Today, very few jobs require little more than sitting all day so most people get little exercise at work or even in their leisure hours. People usually ride in cars or buses and watch TV during their leisure time rather than be physically active.

So, just how important is physical activity to our body and what is the risk if we don't get enough of it? We tend to get lost in the busyness of our day to day lives, and exercise gets pushed down the totem pole of priorities. Most of us are aware that we need to take better care of ourselves by exercising and eating better; we just need to find (or make) the time.

It sure is easy to keep putting it off, at least today, at least this week, at least until you (choose one) get past the holidays, or get some free time, or get a new job, whatever. But as time slips by, your body isn't just suspended in time, waiting to get moving. It's heading into a downward spiral of accelerated aging.

It is surprising that many people view exercise as 'optional'. Maybe they don't fully understand what happens to the human body without it. Your muscles if not used and kept strong will diminish and become soft weak and flabby. Muscle is just the beginning; inactivity affects the brain, blood vessels, bones, liver, sleep, immune system, self-esteem and your ability to use glucose. Your heart and lungs lose their ability to function efficiently and your joints will become stiff, painful and easily injured.

Those who don't exercise often become overweight - adding up to 2 ? kilos of excess body fat per year. This is mostly abdominal fat, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other nasty life threatening conditions.

A University of Hong Kong study revealed that 20 percent of all deaths of people 35 and older were attributed to a lack of physical activity. In addition, a lack of physical activity increased the risk of dying of cancer 45% for men and 28% for women and from heart disease 52% higher for men and 28% for women.

These frightening statistics adequately show that there is a high price tag to pay for a dangerous sedentary or inactive lifestyle.

It costs much less to stay strong and fit than it does to heal illnesses and disease brought on by not living a healthy lifestyle. The high cost of inactivity is not a cost that most of us can afford. Doctors visits and hospital costs are much higher than the amount it costs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is easier to budget for a gym membership and a pair of training shoes than a wheelchair and a nurse.

The power of exercise is great it can transform bodies from the inside out, restoring health, energy and vitality, improving function for everyday tasks, and preventing disease.

Do not allow inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle to erode the health and mobility that you enjoy. You want to keep that for your whole lifespan, so take it upon yourself to stay strong and fit throughout your life to protect your future.