Jogging excessively is just as bad for you as doing none at all, scientists have claimed.
Danish researchers found that light jogging at a slow pace for between 20 and 48 minutes each time was the optimal amount to reduce mortality rates, while heavy joggers are just as likely to die as those with a sedentary lifestyle.
Overall, significantly lower mortality rates were found in those who adopted a slow or moderate jogging pace.
Lead scientist Dr Peter Schnohr, from Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark, said: "It is important to emphasise that the pace of the slow joggers corresponds to vigorous exercise and strenuous jogging corresponds to very vigorous exercise,.
"When performed for decades, this activity level could pose health risks, especially to the cardiovascular system."
Maureen Talbot, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This study shows that you don't have to run marathons to keep your heart healthy.
"Light and moderate jogging was found to be more beneficial than being inactive or undertaking strenuous jogging, possibly adding years to your life."
The findings are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Additional reporting by PA
