The human body is designed to move, and when it does, there's no denying the myriad positive health benefits. Whether it’s slimming down, toning up, or simply feeling more energized, exercise can be a great way to achieve such goals. With so many different exercise categories to choose from, it’s worth mentioning the positive benefits of five in particular.

1. Cardio – Cardio (or aerobic) exercise gets the heart rate up and is a great way to maintain a healthy weight. From running and walking to swimming and cycling, cardio exercises can decrease stress levels, reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, increase mental clarity, and improve heart health.

2. Resistance/Strength Training – Resistance or strength training is important for any active individual. Adding weight or resistance to movements helps build lean muscle and can help reduce the risk of injuries. Strength training can also restore joint mobility, increase blood flow to muscles and tissues, boost metabolism, and help develop healthy bones.

3. High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) – HIIT is a great choice for anyone looking to pack a lot of exercise into a short amount of time. A HIIT program involves short bursts of high-intensity workouts followed by brief periods of rest. HIIT has so many benefits, including an increase in cardiovascular health, improved oxygen utilization, faster metabolism, and reduction in body fat composition.

4. Flexibility/Yoga/Pilates – Flexibility, yoga, and Pilates exercises help to improve balance and coordination, as well as range of motion in the joints. In addition, these exercises can reduce both physical and mental stress, help to reduce chronic pain, and can help to increase body awareness and overall mental well-being.

5. Balance – Balance exercises help to strengthen the core and reduce the risk of falls. These types of exercises can also improve coordination, reduce the risk of injury, and help to avoid muscular imbalances.

By blending the right mix of these five exercises into a fitness regimen, it is possible to achieve a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. While the general recommendation is to focus on any activity for at least 30 minutes a day, variety is key, and seeking guidance from a qualified medical professional or exercise professional can help an individual to reach their goals.