Research indicates that runners live longer

(CLEVELAND CLINIC) – Running is one of the most common forms of exercise – from occasional jogging to ultra-marathon runners – runners are everywhere, but can racing really help us live longer? According to research, the answer is "yes".

Donald Ford, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic, said the race was good for our longevity, because it drove the heart muscle.

"It's aerobic exercise that exercises the heart muscle," he said. "Just like dumbbell bars will exercise the muscle of your arm – it's the same thing – and the exercise of the heart muscle is what seems to keep us going longer."

Several studies have examined the effects of stroke on heart health and the overall risk of death.

One study, involving more than 50,000 runners aged 18 to 100 years, found that running only 5 to 10 minutes a day – even at low speeds – was badociated with reduced risk of death and heart disease.

Another study looked at runners over the age of 50 and found that those at middle or older age reduced their disability later in life and lived longer than their non-runner peers.

Dr. Ford said it was not a secret exercise that would benefit our health in general, but research has shown that running is particularly beneficial to the health of our heart, joints and body. in general.

"Running is an aerobic exercise for the heart muscle," he said. "I always tell patients: it's great if you want to go to the gym and lift weights and pump iron because it's good for your muscles, and there's nothing wrong with that – you burn calories. you develop muscles and you increase your muscle resilience – but it's not the same as aerobic exercise for your heart. "

Dr. Ford stated that we did not have to run the marathon to see the benefits of running and that any aerobic exercise was better for our health and longevity than anything at all.

But as with all the exercises, he said it was important to slow things down if you started.

"You have to be very careful when you come in, whether you're a teenager or an old man, to make sure you're protected. you protect yourself against injuries; you warm up properly and do it properly, "said Dr. Ford.