Just 2 minutes of exercise a day could save your life: new research

Who doesn’t have two minutes?

Just a couple minutes of vigorous exercise every day could decrease a person’s risk of dying by as much as 18%, a new study found.

The findings, published last week in the European Heart Journal, revealed that 15 minutes of intense physical activity every week — equating to roughly two minutes per day — provided enough health benefits to decrease the risk of death.

Researchers used wristbands to monitor the physical activity of more than 71,000 adults, with the median age of 62.5, for nearly seven years. They tracked who died in the subsequent five years.

The researchers discovered those who did not participate in any exercise or physical activity had a 4% risk of dying during the time frame. People who participated in only 10 minutes per week cut that risk in half.

With a mere 15 minutes of exercise per week, that risk is nearly eliminated.

“The results indicate that accumulating vigorous activity in short bouts across the week can help us live longer,” Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, the study’s author, from the University of Sydney in Australia, said in a statement.

“Given that lack of time is the most commonly reported barrier to regular physical activity, accruing small amounts sporadically during the day may be a particularly attractive option for busy people.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week for optimal health, which equates to 30 minutes every day for five days.

It’s no shocker that regular exercise boosts health. Studies show meeting the 10,000-step goal can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease, while others show even sitting less can lead to a longer life.

But as Americans struggle to fit exercise into their daily routines — with as many as 75% of the population failing to meet the CDC’s guidelines — sparing a few minutes per day doesn’t seem like a huge ask.

Even if it’s taking a lap around the house or lacing up your trainers for your daily hot girl walk, experts tout any and all physical activity to extend your life and the quality of it.