Bad Habits That Make You Age Faster

Being a Couch Potato

Slow and lazy may get you to the finish line first — and that’s not a good thing. Regular exercise is key to looking and feeling young. One study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that regular leisure exercise can extend a person’s life by as much as four and a half years. Even those who did half of the recommended exercise time increased their lifespan by almost two years. Exercise helps battle cancer, diabetes and heart disease, among other diseases; it may also improve your complexion so you look as young as you feel. The Mayo Clinic recommends 75 to 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, depending on the intensity of your workouts. The Mayo Clinic also recommends two days of strength training exercises a week. Make sure to gently wash afterwards, as sweat may irritate your skin.

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Review Date: 
July 15, 2014

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Last Updated:
July 15, 2014