Jog Your Way To Longer Life

Regular jogging produces an impressive list of health benefits. It improves oxygen uptake, increases insulin sensitivity, raises HDL (good cholesterol), lowers triglycerides (blood fats), decreases blood pressure, reduces blood clots, improves heart function, boosts bone density, influences immunity, reduces inflammation, prevents obesity and improves mental outlook.

It may also help you live longer. Analysis of data from research called the Copenhagen City Heart Study shows that the men in Copenhagen who jog live, on average, 6.2 years longer than non-joggers. Women increase their life expectancy by 5.6 years.

“The results of our research allow us to definitively answer the question of whether jogging is good for your health,” says, Peter Schnohr, chief cardiologist for the study. “We can say with certainty that regular jogging increases longevity. The good news is that you don’t actually need to do that much to reap the benefits.”

The researchers found that joggers secured the best health benefits when they jogged one to 2.5 hours a week undertaken in several sessions. They recommend keeping up a moderate pace, just slightly breathless but not totally out of breath.