Is sweating the key to longevity?

Physical activity that makes you puff and sweat is key to longevity according to researchers from James Cook University.

The study published online in the current edition of  JAMA of Internal Medicine followed over 200,000 people for more than six years, and compared those who engaged in only moderate activity (gentle swimming, social tennis, household chores) with those who included at least some vigorous activity (such as jogging, aerobics or competitive tennis).

What the researchers found was that people who included some vigorous activity had a 9 to 13 percent reduced risk of mortality than in those who only engaged in moderate activity.  

This result was seen across the board. “The benefits of vigorous activity applied to men and women of all ages, and were independent of the total amount of time spent being active,” said lead author Dr Klaus Gebel from James Cook University’s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention.

“The results indicate that […], if you can manage some vigorous activity it could offer significant benefits for longevity.”

TAKE ACTION: Move your way to better wellbeing

How much exercise?

The current advice from the World Health Organization - and health authorities in Australia - is for adults to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

But even small amounts of vigorous activity will have benefits, according to the researchers.

But remember- if you haven’t exercised much of late, or you have an underlying medical condition- talk to your doctor first before you lace up those running shoes that have been gathering dust in the cupboard.

Sources:
JAMA Intern Med. Published online April 06, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.0541
James Cook University- Public release