Test your knowledge of exercise (what kind? how much?) in this quick quiz.  

When we look at the risk factors for living shorter lives, inactivity is right up there with smoking and poor diet. To stay young, we’ve got to keep our whole system in good shape – and exercise is great for that.

But what kind of exercise is best? How often should you hit the gym? And how intense should your workout regime it be?

Dr Norman Swan is one of our most trusted doctors and a much-respected broadcaster and author. His new book So You Want to Live Younger, Longer? explains the effects of exercise on our bodies, and how we can implement the right kind of physical activity in our lives.  

Take our quiz and find out more about how to exercise the right way (scroll down for answers).

1.       True or false: People who exercise reduce their chances of premature death by up to 34 per cent.

a.       True

b.       False

2.       According to scientific literature, which of the following types of exercise correlates most closely with living longer?

a.       Balance and coordination

b.       Aerobic and cardiorespiratory exercise

c.       Stretching and flexibility

d.       Strength and resistance training

3.       True or false: The more intense the exercise, the more it lifts your mood and improves your cognitive function.

a.       True

b.       False

4.       Research shows that while cardiovascular exercise is, we should also try to include muscle strengthening into each workout session. Which of the following is a benefit of regular muscle-strengthening exercise?

a.       Slowing down the path to frailty

b.       Preventing diabetes

c.       Increasing vitality

d.       All of the above

5.       Moderately intense, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the effects of ageing, improve mental health and prevent disease. What is the recommended exercise strategy as reflected in most national exercise guidelines?

a.       Jogging

b.       Cycling

c.       Swimming

d.       Mixing it up

Answers

1. A | 2. B | 3. A | 4. D | 5. D