Exercise isn't just about losing weight or looking great in a pair of skinny jeans. Sure, vanity may be what's motivating you to hit the gym on a regular basis, but the health perks of getting at least 30 minutes of activity five days a week are what's even more important.

Just check out these amazing stats:

Cuts heart disease risk

40%

Cardiovascular disease -- heart disease and stroke -- is the biggest killer of women globally, killing more women than all cancers combined. The great news is that exercise lowers your heart disease risk by 40 percent, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

Cuts type-2 diabetes risk

58%

Coupled with a lowered intake of fat and calories, regular exercise -- even if it's just brisk walking -- reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, according to a study of over 3,000 people at high risk for diabetes.

Cuts breast cancer risk

20%

Studies show that women who exercise at least an hour a day may reduce their risk of breast cancer by 20 percent. Researchers believe exercise lowers the level of estrogen circulating in a woman's body, which may help lower your risk of breast cancer. Regular, vigorous activity such as brisk walking, running, swimming, and cycling poses the greatest benefit.

Cuts depression risk

50%

Depressive symptoms were reduced almost 50 percent in individuals who participated in 30-minute aerobic exercise sessions three to five times a week. The key is to perform moderately intense aerobics -- such as exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle -- and continuing it for 30 to 35 minutes per day, say the researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Cuts hypertension risk

40%

Exercise lowers your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) by 40 percent. How? Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger and if your heart can work less to pump, the force on your arteries decreases, lowering your blood pressure. But note: The benefits last only as long as you continue to exercise.

Cuts bowel cancer risk

30%

Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine found that people who took regular exercise were 30 percent less likely to develop the larger polyps which are most at risk of becoming cancerous.