agardner
Thursday, May 11, 2017 - 14:39
It can be easy at the end of a long day to tell yourself that you don’t have time
to exercise, but if that’s your common excuse, think again! Not only should exercise be a priority for anyone trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but it may add years to your life. In fact, just meeting the World Health Organization’s minimum guideline for of 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each week can add 3.4 to 4.5 years to your life.

No matter your age or how long you’ve been sedentary, it’s never too late to start reaping the benefits of exercise, because exercise doesn’t just add years to your life, but makes those years more enjoyable and healthier. Exercise may reduce pain associated with arthritis and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. In those fifty years or older, exercise may be as effective as antidepressants in controlling depression.

Adding Time by Adding Exercise

What exercises add the most time to your life?

  • Running--A new study recently found that a one-hour run may add as many as seven hours to a person’s life. Not a runner? Studies have also found that walking at a moderate pace also may add longevity to your life. If you’re looking to avoid running in the heat or at night, hop on the treadmill and fit in that run.

  • The stair machine has been found to cut the risk of premature death by 15%. Like the treadmill, the stair machine is easy to use and conveniently found at FitClub.

  • Riding a bicycle quickly adds more time to your life than riding at a moderate pace. If you’re prone to a moderate stationary bike ride after work, try FitClub’s CycleFit to increase your speed and the intensity of your workout. FitClub’s CycleFit classes are the perfect place to pedal fast and add almost four years to your life!


Whether you enjoy the exercises listed above or you’re interest is in other forms of cardiovascular exercise, research suggests that it may be the intensity of the workout that extends longevity. If you’re accustomed to more moderate or leisurely exercise, challenge yourself to short bursts of intense exercise, followed by a short period of rest. If you have trouble pushing yourself to work out more intensely, try one of FitClub’s group exercise classes. A group exercise class led by a FitClub professional can push you to work harder than you may be able to push yourself.

The next time you find yourself wondering whether you have time to exercise, try focusing on the benefits you’ll receive from your workout years from now. Focusing on the future effects of exercise might help you make your daily workout a priority.

Not convinced? Check out FitClub’s group class schedule and let us know what class you tried and how you felt!