Cover While exercise is no substitute to the Covid-19 vaccine, it may lower your risk from Covid-induced hospitalisation and death (Photo: Courtesy of Unsplash)

A new study has found that people who spent 0-10 minutes a week exercising were 2.5 times more likely to die due to Covid-19

Still putting off exercise? A new study found that physical inactivity is linked to a higher risk for developing severe Covid symptoms that may result in hospitalisation or death. 

The study, which was published on April 13 observed 48,440 adult patients in California who were diagnosed with Covid from January 2020 to October 2020. During the ten months, patients were asked to self-report the amount of time they spent exercising each week and the patients were then categorised into three groups: consistently inactive, 0 to 10 minutes of exercise a week; some activity, meaning 11 to 149 minutes a week; and consistently meeting guidelines, over 150 minutes a week. 

The results showed that patients who were consistently inactive had twice the risk of hospitalisation compared to the most active group, and were 2.5 times more likely to die due to Covid-19. When compared to the somewhat active group’s data, the health of people who were consistently inactive still fared the worst—not only was that group hospitalised 20 per cent more often, they were also 30 per cent likelier to die. 

It’s not a shocker that exercise brings numerous benefits to our health. A new study from earlier this year found that just 11 minutes of exercise a day can help extend our lifespan. Previous research on obesity and Covid-19 also found that a weakened immune system due to obesity also contributed to a higher chance of contracting Covid-19. 

While exercise is in no way a substitute for the Covid vaccine, it does mean that it can greatly lower the risk of Covid induced hospitalisation and death. For those who are still waiting for the jab, this is the time to adopt a regular exercise routine to get your immunity up and lessen the risk of contracting Covid-19. 

See also: This Is The Best Time of Day to Exercise