Poor fitness in middle age is a risk factor for heart failure, often a consequence of not doing enough exercise as we age. A new study found two years of aerobic exercise training that progressed in intensity, four to five days a week, improved major flags in this area.

Regular exercise training may provide protection against the future risk of heart failure.

Participants’ routine included:

• One high-intensity aerobic session.
• Two or three days a week of moderate intensity exercise.
• At least one weekly strength training session.
• At least one long session of aerobic exercise a week, such as an hour of tennis, cycling, running, dancing or brisk walking.