Intense Workouts Cut Death Risk More Than Moderate Exercise

A new study shows that middle-aged and old people who indulge in vigorous physical activity have a lower risk of sudden death.

The study found that people indulging in 300 minutes per week of exercise had 54 percent lower risk compared to those who indulged in no activity. The study pointed out that people including vigorous activities like jogging, aerobics and tennis had a 9 to 13 percent lower risk of early death compared to those who undertook moderate exercise regimens which included swimming or household chores. The study involved 204,542 people.

"Our findings suggest that vigorous activities should be endorsed in clinical and public health activity guidelines to maximize the population benefits of physical activity," the researchers wrote in JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study found that the benefits apply to both men and women, irrespective of existence of heart disease and obesity. Researchers suggested that people with medical conditions should seek their doctors' advice before devising a workout plan.

The World Health Organization and health administrations in several countries recommend at least 150 minutes of weekly moderate activity or half of that spent doing intense exercise. However researchers argue that swapping intense exercise for moderate activity does not accrue same benefits and suggest promotion of vigorous activity.