Exercise, It Really Is A Wonder Drug

First-time marathon runners can reap significant cardiovascular benefits, according to British researchers.  In the British "Marathon Study," subjects consisted of 138 untrained healthy individuals aged 21 to 69 years.  Each underwent 6 months of training for the upcoming London Marathons in 2016 and 2017.  Subjects were assessed prior to initiating their marathon training and again 2-weeks post marathon.  The researchers found that training for and completing the marathons, even at relatively low exercise intensity, reduced central blood pressure and aortic stiffness - equivalent to a 4-year reduction in vascular age.  Moreover, greater rejuvenation was observed in older, slower individuals.