Run for your life

Even if you’re overweight, smoke cigarettes, and drink, daily running can extend your life. Don’t think you’re in shape to run? Just five minutes a day is enough to see a significant effect. 

There is a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that people who lace up and hit the pavement have longer lifespans, even if they jog slowly, and only for a few minutes. 
The most recent study suggests that these folks live an average of three years longer and have a 40% lower risk of premature death than those who do not run. 

There were longevity benefits to other studied physical activities such as walking and cycling as well, but not as much as with running. Why? The authors have hypotheses, but no one knows. 

So, in honor of the upcoming Boston Marathon, and your life, get up and run! 

(For those who would like to see the actual data, check out the study here.)