Posted on Dec 27, 2013

Research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, has found that regular weekly walking and exercise activities can reduce the risk of dying from conditions such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease; specifically in middle-aged men and women.

People who walk enough to meet or exceed physical activity recommendations may be less likely to die early than those who only walk a little, new research shows.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends adults be physically active for at least two and a half hours per week. Previous research has shown exercising more than that may bring extra benefits.

Currently, many studies suggest that middle-aged Americans should regularly commit to two and half hours of walking and/or light exercise per week. Out of 168 hours in one week, two and a half is the required/encouraged minimum for physical activity. Walking, swimming, and other light cardiovascular activities are highly encouraged by organizations like as the American Heart Association.

 The study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggests that most middle-aged Americans should seek to surpass the minimum amount of weekly physical activity by walking and light exercising for at least five hours per week.

The conclusions of the study ultimately find that there are substantial health benefits to exceeding the current exercise guidelines. The key to attaining these health benefits all begin by simply getting up and out, and continuing to move around through whatever physical means possible.