Runners Live Longer — even if they do not run all that much

Speed, frequency don’t matter, study finds

You have to run a teeny bit for at least 6 years to see the maximum effects

Running some but not too much is beneficial, a new study found.

Researchers examined the exercise habits of more than 55,000 people ages 18 to 100, following them for 15 years. They discovered runners had a 30% lower death rate from all causes, and a 45 percent lower death rate from cardiovascular issues.

And by «runners» they mean anyone who ambulates faster than a walk, no matter how slowly and briefly. If your body perceives it is running , apparently that’s sufficient, according to the study.

The benefits were the same no matter how long, far, frequently or fast participants reported running. Benefits were also the same regardless of sex, age, body mass index, health conditions smoking status or alcohol use. The longevity boost held true event or participants who ran less than 51 minutes a week, fewer than 6 miles, slower than a 10-minute mile, or only one or two times per week. Moreover, researchers at Iowa State University’s Kinesiology Department said they found runners who ran less than an hour per week to have the same mortality benefits as runners who ran more than three hours per week.

One caveat: The runners who saw the most benefit from their exercise routine had stuck with it for at least six years. Their risk of death from heart disease and stroke was half that of non-runners.

Too much of a good thing

The study’s lead author said he was surprised when he initially found the data showed no protective boost for speedy or long-distance runners. The reason long-distance runners fail to get added benefits is unknown, but one theory is the strain of running may somehow damage the heart over time. Running too much can also cause a lot of wear and tear not he body.

You can have too much of a good thing.

Other recent research suggests there may a point of diminishing returns with running.

A number of studies have suggested that a «moderate» running regimen — a total of two to three hours per week, according to one expert — appears best for longevity, refuting the typical «more is better» mantra for physical activity. High-mileage runners,t hose who run more than 8 hours a week tend to have shorter lifespans than moderate runners.