Vigorous exercise linked to living longer

Australian researchers found that middle-aged or older people who get at least some high-intensity exercise that makes them sweaty and winded may reduce their chances of dying early by up to 13 percent.

“Our research indicates that even small amounts of vigorous activity could help reduce your risk of early death,” said Klaus Gebel of James Cook University in Cairns, Queensland, the lead author of the study.

Dr Gebel added: “For those with medical conditions, for older people in general, and for those who have never done any vigorous activity or exercise before, it’s always important to talk to a doctor first. Previous studies indicate that interval training, with short bursts of vigorous effort, is often manageable for older people, including those who are overweight or obese."

Why is this important: 
Because the current guidelines are that one can swap one minute of vigorous exercise for two minutes of moderate exercise - this is like saying 30 mins running at 10km/hr (6mph) is kinda the equivalent of walking for an hour at 6km/hr.  The authors are saying it's not.

“It might not be the simple two-for-one swap that is the basis of current guidelines. Our research indicates that encouraging vigorous activities may help to avoid preventable deaths at an earlier age,” said Dr Melody Ding, the co-author, from the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health.

What's vigorous exercise?
How do I change up Moderate intensity exercise to Vigorous intensity?

Get the paper: http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2212268

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/short-spurts-of-vigorous-exercise-helps-prevent-early-death-says-study-10158073.html