Will You Live Longer With Exercise or No Exercise?

In a world where people are increasingly living longer, it's easy to wonder what you can do to prolong your own life. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees, and no single thing you do will absolutely prolong your life. The benefits of exercise, however, can help you avoid common diseases and may extend your life, and rarely does not exercising offer any benefits. A 2012 study by the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine," for example, found that 150 minutes of physical activity each week could extend life expectancy by five years.

Heart Disease Prevention

• Heart disease -- including congestive heart failure, heart attacks, strokes and other heart conditions -- is the leading cause of death. Exercise can help you prevent heart disease by regularly exercising your cardiac muscles. This can help your heart work more effectively, lower blood pressure, improve your circulation and reduce your risk of dangerous blood clots, according to the American Heart Association. The Mayo Clinic recommends 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise -- such as swimming or running -- on most days to maximize the benefits.

Cancer Prevention

• Cancer is the second most common cause of death next to heart disease, and regular physical activity may reduce the risks of some types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 50 studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It may also help lower your risk of breast, lung, endometrial and prostate cancers.

Obesity Prevention

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 35 percent of adults qualify as obese. In addition to increasing the risk of heart disease and cancer, obesity also raises your risk for diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gout and gallstones. Regular exercise can help you burn calories, which can lower your body weight and reduce your risk of obesity, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Reducing Other Risks

• In addition to preventing common causes of death, exercise can also help boost your immunity and healing time, according to The American Heart Association. The organization also emphasizes the role exercise can play in preventing chronic illnesses and decreasing their symptoms when they're already present. Exercise can also improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Osteoporosis won't kill you, but it can lower your quality of life and increase your risk of bone fractures. Regular strength training can play a role in preventing osteoporosis, the American Heart Association explains.

Risks of Exercise

• There are a few circumstances in which exercise can be unsafe. Exercise raises your heart rate, which can be dangerous if you are not healthy. Some heart conditions can increase your risk of sudden death, so talk to your doctor if you have heart symptoms such as an irregular or very fast heart rate. According to Rice University, structural abnormalities can lead to severe illness or even death during exercise. The Cleveland Clinic points out that an exercise stress test can help your doctor determine the types of exercise that are healthy for you -- particularly if you have cardiovascular risk factors. Muscle, joint and bone injuries can also increase your risk of a fall during exercise. If you are afflicted with those conditions, stick to low-intensity exercise until you get approval from your physician.