Fitness

Another Advantage to Being a Runner

One more reason for pounding the pavement: Running a few times a week can reduce the risk of dying from pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, according to a new study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

The researchers followed 150 000 runners and walkers over 11 years and compared their stated connected miles per week with current recommendations for physical activity number. Results: People risk of respiratory deaths dropped by 34 percent, while they exceeded guidelines (150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity and 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise), one to two parts.

So how exactly can you take your chances? According to the formula of researchers, "you need to run about 15 miles per week at a pace of 10 minutes per mile, to reduce the risk by 45 percent.

Do not worry if you're not a runner. Walking showed the same benefit, says lead researcher Paul Williams, Ph.D.Caveat: You have to walk about 50 percent or walk twice more time to spend the same energy as running, he said.