It’s no secret that regular exercise is good for you. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of certain diseases, and improve your overall quality of life.

But how much exercise do you need to live longer? That’s a question many of us want to know, and the answer may surprise you.

The Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

This can be broken down into five 30-minute sessions of moderate-intensity exercise or three 25-minute sessions of vigorous-intensity exercise. In addition, adults should engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week.

The Benefits of Exercise

The benefits of regular exercise are numerous. Exercise can help you:.

Manage your weight
Reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
Improve mental health and mood
Strengthen bones and muscles
Improve your ability to perform daily activities
Reduce the risk of falls and injuries among older adults

The Link Between Exercise and Longevity

A growing body of research suggests that regular exercise can increase lifespan.

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals who met the recommended guidelines for physical activity had a lower risk of early death compared to those who did not meet the guidelines. The study also found that the more physical activity individuals engaged in, the lower their risk of early death.

The Importance of Consistency

While meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity is important, consistency is key.

A study published in the journal Circulation found that individuals who were consistently physically active throughout their adult years had a lower risk of death compared to individuals who were inconsistently active. The study found that individuals who were consistently active over a 15-year period had a 28% lower risk of death compared to those who were consistently inactive.

Getting Started

If you’re not currently meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity, it’s never too late to start. Start by incorporating more physical activity into your day-to-day routine.

Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk during your lunch break, or taking a bike ride with your family. You can also try joining a fitness class or working with a personal trainer to help you meet your fitness goals.

The Bottom Line

Regular physical activity is important for living a healthy life, and can help you increase your lifespan. While meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity is important, consistency is key.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to maintain your current fitness level, make sure to incorporate physical activity into your day-to-day routine to improve your overall health and well-being.