Get Moving for a Longer Life: New Research Highlights the Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for good health and well-being, but just how much exercise do we need to reap the benefits? A recent study by Dong Hoon Lee and colleagues, published in the journal Circulation in 2022, sought to answer this question by examining the relationship between long-term leisure-time physical activity intensity and mortality.

The study used data from a large cohort of United States adults and found that those who engaged in higher levels of leisure-time physical activity had a lower risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Specifically, the study found that those who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week had a significantly lower risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and cancer compared to those who engaged in less physical activity.

The study also found that the benefits of physical activity were even greater for those who engaged in high-intensity activities, such as running or cycling, for at least 75 minutes per week.

These individuals had a lower risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality compared to those who engaged in moderate-intensity activities, such as brisk walking, for the same amount of time.

These findings are consistent with previous research and highlight the importance of regular physical activity for promoting good health and longevity. The study also underscores the need for individuals to engage in a mix of moderate and vigorous physical activities to achieve the best health outcomes.

We were not surprised to see that the study by Dong Hoon Lee and colleagues added to the ever-growing body of evidence on the benefits of physical activity for health and well-being. But it’s great to see! Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, with a focus on high-intensity activities, is associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. So, get moving, and start reaping the benefits of a physically active lifestyle!

If you’re reading this and you’re feeling too run down, tired, or painful to exercise or it’s been a really long time due to life and circumstances, I’d love to help you on your journey to feeling better! Schedule a free movement assessment and together we’ll create a simple plan to get you feeling better again.

SOURCE:

Dong Hoon Lee, Leandro F.M. Rezende, Hee-Kyung Joh, NaNa Keum, Gerson Ferrari, Juan Pablo Rey-Lopez, Eric B. Rimm, Fred K. Tabung, Edward L. Giovannucci. Long-Term Leisure-Time Physical Activity Intensity and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort of US Adults. Circulation, 2022

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220725105618.htm