Individuals who exercise regularly could reduce their risk of developing a physical or mental condition as well as slow down their body’s aging process, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

The research indicates that being physically active is an important lifestyle choice a person can make in order to improve their health. Leslie Alford, the study’s lead author, said that individuals have control over some of the factors that contribute to how healthy they are, and this includes exercise.

Among physical activity benefits that the research highlights is that regular intense workouts can help to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease as well as some types of stroke. Increasing the amount of exercise can also help to reduce the risk of some cancers, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.

The study also noted that physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of developing memory loss problems.

Alford suggested that for those who need to increase their levels of exercise, healthy adults could participate in a 30 minute brisk walk five days each week and that older adults could benefit from physical activities that focus on flexibility and balance.

While exercise could lead to a healthier lifestyle, only about 25 percent of the nation’s population participates in physical activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.