Each hour of running increases your lifespan by seven hours: study

A new study has found that running is one of the most efficient and beneficial exercises to an individual’s lifespan

Over the past few years, running has become what one may call a lifestyle trend on the rise as more and more people have put on their running shoes and taken to the streets.

Nike+ Run Club coach, Peteni Kuzwayo, says that one reason for this is because of the fast-paced world era we’re living in now.

“We live a very pressurised lifestyle, and there’s a lot happening in our lives. I think people need a release of some sort. Running is one of the most basic tools people can use to let steam off,”

Now, a new study has suggested that running could be more than just about blowing off some steam, but could actually add an extra few years to your life.

The study, published in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Disease has suggested that every hour that an individual spends running adds about seven hours to his/her life. On average, this could add a total of three years to one’s life.

“Running is a popular and convenient leisure-time physical activity with a significant impact on longevity. In general, runners have a 25%-40% reduced risk of premature mortality and live approximately 3 years longer than non-runners,” the study said.

For the study, researchers from Iowa State University analysed previous research that had been done on the benefits of running and also looked at studies that analysed the benefits of other forms of exercises such as biking, walking and cycling, reports TIME.

And true to its reputation, running was found to have greater benefits for longevity and extended life by quite a significant margin. The other exercises were linked to a longer life, but not nearly as much as running.

Researchers also found that runners often tend to, as a result of their running, lead a healthier lifestyle. By a healthier lifestyle, the authors specifically noted that runners tend to maintain a healthy weight, consume alcohol quite moderately and tend to be non-smokers. The study says that these habits associated with running could also be contributors to the longer lifespan.

“Running may have the most public health benefits , but is not the best exercise for everyone since orthopaedic or other medical conditions can restrict its use by many individuals,” the study says.

Additional source: TIME