Vigorous exercise may help you live longer

A large new study has claimed that vigorous exercise that makes you sweat may be the secret to longer life and is more beneficial than a moderate workout.

Researchers followed 204,542 people for more than six years and compared those who engaged in only moderate activity with those who included at least some vigorous activity such as jogging or aerobics. They found that the risk of fatality for those who included some vigorous activity was 9 to 13 per cent lower, compared with those who only undertook moderate activity.

Lead author Dr Klaus Gebel from James Cook University’s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention said “the results signify that if you can manage some vigorous activity it could offer significant benefits for longevity”.

The research was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.