Fitness Ambassador Kelly Murumets stopped by to share some unexpected benefits of physical activity with Steven & Chris.

Watch the segment now in episode 187.

1. Physical Activity can make you SMARTER

Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive performance and information processing. Exercise actually sparks new brain-cell growth! Don't just hit the books to get smarter - hit the gym!

This is true for our kids as well. In fact, research shows that children who are physically active perform better in school than those who are not active. Achievements in math, reading, perceptual skills and overall academic readiness are influence by physical activity.

And older adults who engage in physical activity have better performance in tests implying decision-making process, memory and problem solving.

2. Your physical activity behaviours can help IMPROVE YOUR KIDS' HEALTH

The health and well-being is a top priority for parents. But one of the things parents might not consider is how their OWN attitudes towards physical activity influence both their children's attitudes and levels of participation. When you look at the stats - only 13% of our children and youth are active enough to meet physical activity guidelines - it becomes apparent that we have a real opportunity to positively influence our children's physical activity levels. Health benefits for active kids include reducing the risks of becoming overweight or obese.

Parents have an important role to play in modeling and supporting physical activity for their children. Support can take the form of enrolment in classes or teams, transportation, encouragement and cheering them on, and replacing sedentary choices with physically active ones.

3.Physical Activity can DECREASE DEPRESSION and be an ALTERNATIVE TO ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

The effect of physical activity on depressive symptoms and anxiety is well-established. In fact, there is a positive relationship between general physical activity and measures of mental health-related quality of life and well-being.

Exercise can help ease depression through the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain such as neurotransmitters and endorphins. There are also psychological and emotional benefits such as increased confidence and more social interaction associated with exercise.

For mild depression, physical activity can actually be as good as antidepressants or psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy.

4.Physical Activity can IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE

What you are doing at the gym can have a positive impact on what you are your partner are doing in your bedroom. That's right, physical activity can help put the 'physical' back in your relationship by improving your sex life.

I have your attention, so let me explain HOW exercise will help your romantic life. First off, physical activity can increase your strength and stamina, contributing to a prolonged sexual experience. Physical activity can also leave you feeling energized and looking better, another plus for your sex life.

But here's the clincher - regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than men who don't exercise - especially as they get older. It's information compelling enough to get you moving more.

5.Physical Activity can help PREVENT DISEASES

So you might be watching and thinking you're already pretty clever, have a great sex life and have no kids... but disease prevention is a benefit of physical activity that applies to ALL of us. Where matters of health are concerned physical activity really is the best medicine for certain degenerative conditions.

If the entire population of this nation followed current physical activity guidelines, approximately one third of deaths related to coronary heart disease, one quarter of deaths related to stroke and osteoporosis, 20% of deaths related to colon cancer, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, and 14% of deaths related to breast cancer could be prevented.

People that are physical activity do not just live longer, they also live better. Physical activity improves quality of life. And that's a benefit we all can live with.