28/01/2026
New research published in BMJ Medicine shows that staying active isn’t just about how much you move, it’s about how many different kinds of physical activity you do.
The following are some key findings from the study:
✅ People who engaged in a greater variety of physical activities like walking, cycling, resistance training, gardening or yoga, had a lower risk of death from all causes over more than 30 years of follow-up.
✅ Those doing the most varied activities showed 19% lower all-cause mortality risk and 13–14% lower risk of heart disease, cancer and other major causes of death compared to those with less variety.
✅ Benefits leveled off after a certain amount of exercise, meaning that diversity matters just as much as total volume.
The practical takeaway is not to just stick to one workout. Combining aerobic, strength, flexibility and outdoor activities may help unlock greater longevity benefits, even if the total time you spend moving stays the same.
Article reference:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-physical-activity-help-prolong-life-span-longevity-exercise