Jogging is just the tonic for a long and sexy Life

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Regular jogging and other vigorous physical exercise helps men to prolong their life and reduce the risk of impotence, two studies have found. A study of nearly 5,000 men aged between 20 and 79 found that those who jogged regularly over a five-year period were only half as likely to die during the study period as those who did not. The results suggest that vigorous exercise, rather than light activities such as golf, is the best way to live longer, the researchers said in the British Medical Journal.

"Since 1970 jogging has become increasingly popular but the public's concerns over its harmful effects have been raised by reports of deaths while jogging," they said. "Although light exercise has some value, vigorous exercise is now considered better for health, and our study supports this."

A second study found that men who did the equivalent of a two-mile brisk walk a day were three times more likely to become impotent. They had to burn at least 200 calories a day through physical activity to protect themselves, but the more vigorous the exercise the less likely they were to become impotent. The finding is a result of a study of 600 healthy men aged between 40 and 70 as part of the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study, publishing in the journal Urology.

The men were questioned at the start and end of an eight-year period. The researchers found that 31 per cent of sedentary men who remained inactive became impotent, whereas just 9 per cent of sedentary men who took up exercise, or who were consistent exercisers, were afflicted.

Irwin Goldstein, of the Boston University School of Medicine, said: "For millenia there's been chicken soup and rhinocerous horn powder as ways to maintain potency. This is the first ever longitudinal population study looking at prevention."

Physical activity might prevent impotence by improving the elasticity of blood vessels, Dr Goldstein said.

No Pain, No Gain...? No Way.

First things first: running is not an invitation to pain and injury. The fact that you enjoy pushing yourself, enjoy exploring the roads and trails around you, enjoy the simple act of motion -- this does not doom you to bad knees and shredded tendons, despite popular myth. Running is not a bad habit. If you run strictly for fitness -- 30 minutes, three times a week -- you will probably never be injured. Running is good for you; revel in your health and strength.

When you begin to run beyond that level, however, you are running for performance. By definition, this means that you are pushing your body to its limit in order to get ever better results. You're redlining. If you keep it up, then eventually you'll probably stray beyond what you can handle. When that happens, your body inevitably cries uncle. Never fear, with the proper care you can nurse your legs back to health. But learn from your injuries. It's not running per se that causes your body to break down; it's the amount or the manner in which you run. Let your injury be a caution, and adjust your routine so that it doesn't happen again.

Jogging Hints & Tips

If you've watched other people jogging, and feel an urge to join them, here are some tips to get you on your way:

• Invest in some good running shoes. Running doesn't require any membership or usage fees, but you do need the right equipment. Luckily, shoes are the only real necessity. Invest in a properly fitted pair, and you'll reduce your risk of shin splints, blisters and other related ailments.
• Start slowly. If you're new to running, take it easy. Set a relaxed pace, making sure you can carry on a conversation with your companions. Also, don't overdo the total mileage. Increase your distances over a period of several months to avoid stress fractures, general fatigue and burnout.
• Think about form. Keep your head level, your shoulders down and relaxed, and your arms at waist level. Your entire motion should be forward, with no side-to-side movement. With each stride, your heel should hit the ground first, then your foot should roll to the ball and toes as you push off.
• Don't ignore aches and pains. Monitor them if they are mild, and stop if they get more severe. A good rule of thumb is to allow your body 24 to 48 hours rest between runs.
• running is that it does not provide a resistance workout for your upper body. Working your arms, shoulders, back and abdominal muscles twice a week can make you a stronger runner.
• Finally, don't forget to stretch. Runners who don't stretch regularly are inviting injury. Your stretches will be most effective after your runs, when your body temperature is raised and your muscles are warm.