Overwhelming evidence indicates that regular physical activity is one of the most powerful health-promoting practices that physicians and other health care professionals can recommend for patients.1 For decades, scientific research has shown that regular physical activity protects against major chronic diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, selected cancers, and even depression.1-3 There is broad consensus within the medical and public health communities that physical activity yields wide-ranging health benefits. Moreover, no other single intervention or treatment is associated with such a diverse array of benefits.