Even the shortest running lengths are good for your health. At least that's what researchers at the University of North Carolina claim. Their study showed that even short distances werun daily, can extend our lives. Every step we take, for example when we walk up the stairs, to the car, into the garden, to the corner store, or even when we vacuum, can prolong our lives because every step counts.
Why is even short physical exertion good for your health?
Every 1,000 steps a day, even if they consist of even brief efforts, reduce the risk of death over the next year by 28% by reducing the chance of a heart attack. The health benefits last up to 4500 steps daily and are equal to the benefits of 4500 steps that come from prolonged effort. Over 4,500 steps attenuate the benefits of short efforts, but an additional 2,000 steps over longer distances (10 minutes or more) may be beneficial for longevity, explained researcher Christopher C. Moore.
Previous studies confirm the study results. Scientists have already proven that physical exertion and exercise at home are also good for your health. Household chores may be a chore, but they can potentially contribute to our longevity. Even just 30 minutes of exercise while cleaning up is enough to reduce the risk of death by 20% in people aged 69 and over.
How can we increase our running efforts?
Older adults face some barriers to participating in exercise programs. They could increase their daily running efforts by changing their habits. You could park a little further than usual and then walk, or do more housework or yard work.
Technological advances in recent decades have allowed researchers to measure short-term activities. Previously, they could only measure the activities that people recalled in a survey. Using wearable devices, research has found that any form of exercise is better than a sedentary lifestyle. These results were presented at the American Heart Association conference.
