Running may be the simplest way to exercise, but it can also save you a few years of life if you exceed this duration…
Running and life expectancy, many don’t see a link and to be completely honest neither do we. However, running could, potentially, increase our brief time on Earth, according to studies carried out by the very serious British Journal of Sports Medicine. It all depends on the weather and the way running is practiced.
Doing sport every day is not the most obvious thing. Between the constraints of work and family life, going for a jog at the start of the day or after work requires unfailing motivation. But maybe after discovering this study, the time will be found a little easier. It must be said that it is based on a huge sample and therefore reveals some very relevant lessons.
The study was in fact based on fourteen research studies already carried out in the past, taking into account more than 230,000 participants for periods ranging from 5 and a half years to 35 years. The authors specify that (unfortunately) 25,951 people died during the latter.
Analyzing data throughout this research and years, researchers first noticed that runners were 27% less likely to die prematurely, compared to non-runners. In detail, those who regularly ran had a 30% lower risk of dying from heart disease and 23% less risk from cancer. But that’s not all!
In addition to proving that running increases life expectancy, scientists have been able, thanks to the numerous statistics available, to establish an ideal running time to delay the grim reaper. And we can rejoice: 50 minutes per week are enough to start reducing this risk. “Any run, even once a week, is better than not running,” explains Zeljko Pedisic, professor at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University.
No need to push the pace or exhaust yourself, this will bring nothing more, as Professor de Melboune explains again, who estimates that the benefits are “similar whether you run at 8 km/h or 13 km/h. However, nothing prevents you from running faster and longer if it is your personal pleasure.
Be careful, however, this study should be taken with a grain of salt, the researchers explain that “advice must be given on a case-by-case basis, because the race may not be suitable for everyone.” It can even cause problems, especially if you already have known health problems.