The latest research published Monday July 28, 2014 in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, concluded that running even 5 to 10 minutes a day is associated with significantly reduced risks of death from all causes including cardiovascular disease. This study may motivate healthy but sedentary people to begin and continue exercising for 5 -10 minutes a day.
The research indicated that these benefits were about the same no matter how much or little people ran. All runners fast or slow lived on average 3 years longer than the people in the study that did not run. Comparing runners who hit the roads for 2.5 hours or more a week, or who were particularly speedy, clipping off six-minute miles or better, didn’t live significantly longer those who ran the least, including people running as little as 5 or 10 minutes a day at a leisurely pace of 10 minutes a mile or slower.
The researchers also concluded that it was not necessarily the mode of exercise (running), but they believe it is the intensity of the exercise that is the key to improving longevity. Running just happens to be a convenient way for some people to exercise intensely.
This study has a lot of statistical power as it was done over 15 years with over 55,000 adults. Read the Abstract of the study here: http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleID=1891600
Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any new exercise program. If you don’t enjoy running then choose another activity; climb stairs, do calisthenics, jump rope, or vigorously pedal a stationary bike, or choose any other activity that you may enjoy. Five minutes of effort might add years to your life.
If you have any questions about your personal exercise program please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]