Running has been found to be one of the most effective methods for improving the health of the human body.

Not only does running help you burn off extra calories and lose weight, but it also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increases life expectancy.

But while it’s clear that running is beneficial to one’s health, the question remains: how much longer does running make you live, and does this depend on how long you run for?.

The Benefits of Running

Before we dive into the specifics of how long you need to run for to increase your life expectancy, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that running can provide:.

1. Weight Loss

Running is an excellent way to burn off extra calories and lose weight. A 2011 study found that running is more effective at burning calories than any other form of exercise.

2. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Running also has the benefit of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that running helped decrease the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 50% compared to non-runners.

3. Improved Mental Health

Running has been found to be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that running can have a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Relationship Between Running and Life Expectancy

Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the benefits of running, let’s move on to the main question: how much longer does running make you live?.

Several studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between running and life expectancy. In general, these studies have found that running can increase life expectancy by up to three years compared to non-runners.

However, these studies have also found that the amount of time you need to run to increase your life expectancy varies depending on how long you run for.

The Amount of Running Required to Increase Life Expectancy

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals who run less than or equal to 51 minutes per week had a reduced risk of mortality compared to non-runners, and those who run more than 51 minutes per week showed no additional benefit.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that individuals who ran between 1 and 2.4 hours per week had the most significant reduction in mortality risk compared to non-runners.

A third study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that individuals who ran for more than 3 hours per week had the highest reduction in mortality risk compared to non-runners.

The Importance of Consistency

While the studies we’ve discussed have found that running for a certain amount of time each week can increase your life expectancy, it’s essential to remember that consistency is key.

Running sporadically or only occasionally is unlikely to have the same benefits as running consistently over a more extended period. Consistency is necessary to see the best results and achieve a more extended life expectancy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running has been found to be an effective tool for improving overall health and increasing life expectancy.

Studies have found that running can increase life expectancy by up to three years compared to non-runners, but the amount of time required to achieve this varies depending on how long you run for each week.

If you’re interested in increasing your life expectancy through running, aim to run consistently for at least one to two hours per week. Doing so can help improve your health and increase your overall life expectancy.