You probably already know how good exercise is for you. Well, scientists have now quantified the life-saving benefits of exercise. While the results are not surprising, they are impressive.
The Veterans Affairs study evaluated 15,660 participants. It is the largest study to assess the link between fitness and mortality. They evaluated the amount of oxygen consumption with exercise. Then they compared that with subsequent risk of death.
The researchers divided the men into four categories: low fit, moderately fit, highly fit, and very highly fit. It all depended on how much oxygen the subjects could consume with exercise. Men who achieved very highly fit levels had a 70% lower risk of death compared to those in the low fit category. For every 1-MET (a measure of oxygen consumption) increase in exercise capacity (fitness), the risk for death from all causes dropped 13% for both African Americans and Caucasians.
I know that the average American looks for the quick fix, the magic pill, or the miracle cure. Any pill I could give you that would lower your risk of dying by 70% would be held as a miracle. But its not a pill. Its activity. And you do not have to run a marathon. The authors say its so easy:
Our findings show that the risk of death is cut in half with an exercise capacity that can easily be achieved by a brisk walk of about 30 minutes per session five to six days per week, Exercise is a must. It can undo lots of other indiscretions. Please heed the advice of the authors and get more physically active.
Ref: Science Daily, January 23, 2008.