Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can not only help you to live longer, but also improve the quality of your life.
Regular exercise is vital for longevity, and an expert shared exactly how often you should work out every week to add years to your life.
Exercising for at least 2.5 hours a week could be the magic number for prolonging your life, according to chief operating officer at Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Colin Potts.
This doesn't need to be long cardio sessions or intense workouts at the gym, either, as this number refers to moderate intensity exercise.
Walking more could be enough to see benefits
GETTYColin explained: "Regular and consistent physical activity trumps intense workouts.
"A recent study published in The Lancet noted that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, like brisk walking or cycling, can add three to five healthy years to your life.
"Find an activity that you can consistently and regularly perform and enjoy, and your body will thank you for it."
Increasing your steps or going for a bike ride could work to improve your fitness while boosting your longevity.
Indeed, a study published in the National Institutes of Health analysed more than 650,000 adults to find that engaging in leisure-time physical activity can extend life expectancy by up to 4.5 years.
Those who did fewer than 150 minutes of exercise per week still noticed a boost in their health, gaining an average 1.8 years on their life expectancy.
While genetics is important for longevity, lifestyle choices can ultimately influence how long you will live.
The health pro added: "Trying to increase your lifespan without improving daily habits is like watering a plant without sunlight - you’re missing a key ingredient.
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Lifestyle choices can impact how long you will live
GETTY"Lifespan is mostly genetic. That’s the general assumption. But the truth is, daily habits play a much more crucial role.
"Sustainable and simple lifestyle changes result in significant improvements in health and longevity for many people."
For more advice, experts share how an activity that "takes just 60 seconds" could add years to your life.
They suggested adding bursts of movement for just one-minute bursts throughout the day.
