The connection between physical activity and a reduced risk of early death is well established but scientists have now discovered that incorporating a variety of exercises into your gym routine is very important for long-term health. The final analysis was taken from more than 111,000 people, over 70,000 women and 40,000 men, and included data from two large studios over a 30-year assessment period. Participants in the study reported personal information, medical history and lifestyle choices and provided data on exercises such as running, cycling and swimming from 1986 onwards. The experts then calculated a MET score - a measure of how much more energy is burned during a physical activity than when resting - for each exercise. "Long-term engagement in physical activity is unequivocally associated with a reduced risk of multiple chronic diseases, improved mental health and a better chance of achieving longevity and health ageing."