Scientists have discovered: exercise saves from premature death

Scientists have discovered: diversity of physical activity prolongs life more effectively than just high-intensity workouts. This unexpected conclusion came from the analysis of data from large-scale long-term observations.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to BMJ Medicine, the study is based on the results of two large-scale projects covering about 110 thousand participants, whom medical professionals observed for more than three decades. The novelty of the work lies in the fact that scientists evaluated not only the total volume of physical activity, but also its diversity – from everyday walking and recreational running to strength training, swimming, and gardening.

The study found that people who regularly combined different types of physical activity showed a significantly lower risk of premature death compared to those who spent the same amount of time on similar exercises. The diversity of physical activities provided additional protection even with identical total levels of motor activity.

Notably, the relationship between physical activity and longevity proved to be non-linear. The highest protective effect was recorded at approximately 20 MET-hours per week, which is equivalent to several hours of moderate or intense physical activity. Interestingly, further increasing the volume of training no longer provided significant health benefits.

The authors of the study particularly note that for maintaining health, it is critically important not only to exercise regularly but also to alternate different types of activities – aerobic, strength, and moderate. Scientists are convinced that such a comprehensive approach better corresponds to a natural lifestyle and provides a more sustainable and beneficial effect in the long term.