Study Shows Runners Live 3 Years Longer

Want to lower your risk of dying by 30%?  A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showing that runners live 3 years longer than non-runners has gained traction in the media lately, including an article in the New York Times.

The study evaluated the life expectancy of a group of 55,000 adults aged between 18 and 100 over a 15 year period.  The study reports that those that ran lived 3 years longer and had a 30% lower chance of dying from any cause and 45% lower chance of dying from heart disease.

But probably the most important aspect of the study was that the intensity and duration of running did not correlate to better outcomes.  Even those that ran for less than 51 minutes per week and only 1-2x per week saw the same benefit as those that ran significantly more.  Also, running at speeds of less than 6 MPH was just as effective.  (Photo credit)

Start Moving Today

What’s the take home message from this study?  I don’t think it is that we should all start running.  Rather, I think it is that we should all get off our butts!  Our sedentary lifestyles are a problem and significantly increase your chance of death over time.  Even low amounts of exercise, such as running, can enhance your health and extend your life.

If that isn’t motivation enough, do yourself a favor and start working with a personal trainer to help you get started, motivate you, and hold you accountable.  You don’t have to start running marathons to see the benefit, you just have to move.  Grab your family to make it an event and start teaching our youth these benefits as well.

Start moving today, you’ll live longer.