While previous studies have linked exercise with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), a recent study found that running, weight training, rowing and brisk walking, along with increased levels of intensity, can reduce the risk for men even further.

The study included nearly 45,000 men between the ages of 40 and 75. They were surveyed at 2-year intervals about physical activity and CHD risk factors. Over the course of the twelve-year study, 1,700 new cases of CHD were documented.

Findings suggest that of all exercise reported, running for an hour or more per week decreased the risk of heart disease the most. Men who reported running had a 42 percent risk reduction compared with men who did not run. This was followed by weight training for at least 30 minutes per week, which was found to decrease the risk by 23 percent. Men who reported rowing for an hour or more each week or brisk walking for at least 30 minutes per day, were both found to have an 18 percent risk reduction.

Exercise intensity also played a role. Men who exercised at a high level of intensity decreased their risk of CHD by 17 percent, while those who exercised at a moderate level had a six percent lower risk, as compared with men who exercised at a low level.

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The Journal of the American Medical Association. October 23, 2002;288:1994-2000

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

It is very clear that exercise has enormous benefits for most people. It is an essential process of being optimally healthy. I am convinced that it is virtually impossible to be healthy without regular exercise.

The reason why most of us continue to exercise is the way it makes us feel; very few people will continue to exercise based on theoretical benefits of living a few extra years.

While my bias is toward running, as that is what I started in 1968, it is clearly not the only form of exercise. I recently posted my exercise recommendations , including those that relate to weight loss.

It is important to recognize that many of us will have psychological blocks to doing exercise. That is where psychological acupressure tools like EFT can make a major difference. You can use my free manual to help you achieve your goals of making exercise a regular part of your life. The affirmations page has all the details you need to help remove the blocks and make exercise a regular part of your life.

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