Good news for lovers and fans of walking and light running. A survey released at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Dublin, Ireland, states that those who run one to two and a half hours a week in a moderate manner can reduce their chances of death by up to 44%. According to research, the practice increases by up to 6.2 years the life expectancy of men and 5.6 years of women.
This is one of the results of a survey that began in 1976 at Bispedjerg University Hospital in Denmark, led by the chief cardiologist of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, Peter Schnohr.
In this survey, 20,000 men and women aged 20 to 93 years in the capital city of Copenhagen underwent a series of studies and evaluations aimed at assisting in the research and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
From 1976 to 2003, all survey participants completed questionnaires that addressed, among other things, the frequency and pace at which they performed activities such as running, which could be answered as slow, medium or fast.
In this group, 1,116 men and 762 women joggers were followed for years and their information was compared with that of other individuals who participated in the survey but did not usually run.
These data were collected in four different periods: between 1976 and 1978, 1981 and 1983, 1991 and 1194 and 2001 and 2003. During this period, 10158 non-joggers died, while among those who practiced, the The death toll was 122. From then on, experts concluded that running increased longevity between men and women, especially those who practiced one to two and a half hours of running a week in three slow-paced sessions. or moderate.
According to the researchers, this rhythm is defined when the person walks at a fast pace, but not to the point of losing his breath. Among the people analyzed, those who ran or practiced more frequent and intense exercises did not show as positive results as those who ran at a moderate pace.
This theory overturned all others who claimed that running or walking could be harmful to health. On the contrary, research has confirmed that, in addition to increasing life expectancy, running can also improve the body's absorption of oxygen, increase insulin sensitivity, prevent obesity, lower blood pressure, and improve heart and body functions. respiratory For Peter Schnohr, head of research, running on the street has the power to even improve people's well-being, as when they are running they can interact with other people.
Many people, especially beginners, do not have the physical stamina to run for long, so the indication of fast walking, as well as moderate running can be a great option to abandon the sedentary lifestyle and invest in a healthier life.
Whether alone or accompanied, the important thing is to know that it's never too late to start. After all, you do not have to run after lost time, you can go walking.
If you are not a practitioner yet, remember that having the initial follow-up of a professional who can provide information and clarify doubts, do heart exams and choose the ideal footwear and clothing can guarantee better results in the practice of any physical exercise.
Exercise Increases Life Expectancy (April 2024)
- Fitness
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