Ladies, we know you’ve heard lots about the benefits of regular exercise: less belly fat, healthier heart, boosted mood and many more. But if you’re looking for another reason to get motivated to hit the gym, get ready to add another pro to your list. Research suggests that an hour of physical activity a day can lower a woman’s risk for breast cancer.
Researchers from the International Prevention Research Institute in Lyon, France analyzed data from 37 studies covering more than 4 million women. They found that, when compared to women who performed the least amount of physical activity, those who were the most active were 12 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. It gets even better—exercise seemed to protect against the most aggressive types of breast cancer. And the women reaped the benefits of exercise regardless of their weight or the age they started being active.
However, using hormone replacement therapy appeared to counter the effects of exercise in reducing breast cancer.
Physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of other types of cancers, as well. How it works its magic remains unclear, but the researchers say it’s another reason to encourage physical activity.
Get on Your Way to Being Active
If you want to take advantage of all the cancer-busting benefits exercise can have, try these three tips to help you incorporate an hour of physical activity every day:
- Establish an exercise routine. Whether you’re taking a leisurely jog on the greenway or doing a butt-kicking run on the treadmill, find a way to keep moving. Walking will do wonders, too—start off by aiming to take at least 10,000 steps every day.
- Take up cycling. Cycling is one of the best aerobic exercises for your body, especially if you’re new to the workout realm. It's convenient, easy to complete both inside and outside any time of the year and is ideal if you’re looking for an activity that’s easy on the joints.
- Switch up your work out. Don’t give up on your workout just because it’s boring. Join different classes at your local gym, get a trainer or stay accountable through a workout buddy. No matter which avenue you choose, the important thing is to stay active.
