Fact: I hate to exercise. Hate it with a passion. However, despite my unbridled disdain for breaking a sweat, I do so because, if I don’t, my weight will skyrocket out of control. I try to get in at least 60 minutes a day, five days a week, though I have been known to skip a workout if I’m feeling particularly lethargic or lazy. It doesn’t happen very often, but there are times when committing to an hour’s worth of exercise is just too much to handle.
According to a report from the Copenhagen City Heart study, jogging just two hours per week — that breaks down to roughly 15 minutes per day — can add years to your life. Now, I know you’re thinking, “Way to exaggerate things, Todd. There’s no way that’s possible.” Turns out, just a little bit of exercise can make all the difference in the world.
According to the study, jogging two hours a week can extend the life of a man by 6.2 years, while the ladies only get 5.6. I’ll be more than happy to tack on an extra 74 months to my lifespan. Assuming, of course, that my life isn’t cut short by unruly mobs of blood-thirsty orcs or an unexpected alien invasion. Extending the time it takes to shuffle off your mortal coil also requires living a healthy lifestyle, which includes a proper diet. If that’s the case, then I know I’m screwed.
Jogging doesn’t hold the exclusive rights to helping you live longer. All it really takes is two hours of exercise a week. You know, anything to get the heart rate up and the blood pumping. Those of you who are already busting your rump to get that perfect body: Keep doing what you’re doing. While the rest of us are heaving our walkers around during our golden years, you’ll be shuffling past us to get first shot at the nursing home buffet.
Twitter users have weighed in on the subject. Take a look.
@TheAtlantic: Jogging 15 minutes a day can extend your life by at least 5 years http://t.co/PBDgmjiZ”
I would rather die “@dolphinmaria: Gentle jogging adds 6 years to one’s life. Why would I want to do that? The sooner this farce is over, the better <agree!
RT@TheAtlantic Study: Jogging 15 minutes a day can extend your life by at least 5 years
assuming u don’t get hit by a truck~@dimityontherun Imagine what running does! RT Study: Jogging 15 minutes a day can extend your life by at least 5 years http://t.co/jeVu5evy