Yes! According to a research roundup from one of my favorite sport medicine doctors, Dr. Gabe Mirkin.
Running regularly, no matter how fast or slow, increases longevity and is cardio protective.
The Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study in Dallas followed more than 55,000 adults between 18 and 100 for 15 years, and found runners who ran regularly for at least six years lived three years longer than non runners – no matter what speed they ran.
And it does not take much running.
According to this study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, August 5, 2014, runners lived longer even if they only ran 1 or 2 times a week, less than 51 minutes.
Bonus! Regular runners also had 45 percent reduced risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.
Running injuries are common but if you Chi Run as I wrote in my previous blog, you will be less prone to injury.
The key to running for years is to commit to running with good form, and focusing on injury prevention and energy efficiency, no matter what speed, with every step you take.
That is a small price to pay for the enormous ROI running provides for your body, mind and spirit.
Dr. Mirkin says (and I agree!) as you get more fit, you should consider increasing intensity for overall fitness and health – and to become a better athlete.
Like this kind of info? It is from a trusted source. Check it out.
Dr. Mirkin is a highly regarded, practicing doctor of four specialties. He has practiced for over over 50 years, and known as the “Godfather” of sports medicine. He has a fabulous site of all things health and fitness and a radio show.
Virtual Athlete, LLC. 