Evidence that physical activity protects against cardiovascular disease (CVD) comes mostly from high-income countries, where physical activity is mainly recreational. However, in low-income and middle-income countries, physical activity is mainly non-recreational (related to transportation, occupation, and housework). Findings from the PURE study now show that both recreational and non-recreational physical activity are associated with cardiovascular benefits. The analysis included 130,843 participants from 17 countries of varying economic levels (mean follow-up of 6.9 years). Higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of CVD and death in all regions analysed, independently of economic level and type of activity. Even moderate levels (such as walking 30 min on most days of the week) were beneficial, with more pronounced benefits at high levels and no indication of a ceiling effect.