New Research Says Tennis, Aerobics And Swimming Could Prolong Your Life

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When Barbara Karayi heads out on her bicycle, she knows she's getting more than just fresh air.

"Obviously I know it's good for my heart, and I can feel after I'm done cycling my blood pressure goes right down."

New research from London, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals cycling might pay off big in the long run.

Researchers studied the exercise habits of more than 80,000 adults for more than a decade.

They found people who took part in certain sports didn't just lower their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease -- they lowered their chance of dying from any health problem.

"This is really the first time that scientiss have been able to look at particular sports and clearly show that certain sports have a proven benefit," explained Cardiac Radiologist, Dr. Declan O'Regan.

When it came to cardiovascular disease, people who played racquet sports, like tennis cut their risk of death by more than half.

Swimming by 41 percent.

And aerobics by 36 percent.

Bicyclists had 15 percent lower odds of dying early.

While experts aren't ready to prescribe specific sports just yet, they say consistent exercise is key.

"It's really finding a sport that's good for you and one that you could do sustainably for a long period of time," said O'Regan.

For Barbara, that means sticking with her bike.

"I love it," said Karayi. "If you see me cycling, I've always got a big grin on my face."