President Sarkozy’s “funny turn” is likely to have been met with sage nods from those middle-aged couch potatoes who believe that exercise, particularly running, is an activity for the young. But they are wrong.

Far from putting untold strain on the heart and joints, middle-aged joggers tend to live longer, happier lives than their sedentary peers.

Running is unlikely to do your waistline, blood pressure, cholesterol level and coronary arteries anything but good, as long as you keep within your comfort zone.

Deaths from heart attacks in runners are unusual. There have been only five among middle-aged and elderly runners in the London Marathon in the past 25 years, working out at about one fatal heart attack for every two million miles run.

Jogging is more beneficial than playing golf and it is safer than badminton and squash.

In 2006 a team from Stanhope University’s rheumatology department published the findings of a 14-year study of the impact of activity on joint pain in a group of otherwise healthy middle-aged men and women.

Only a third of the participants who jogged regularly developed troublesome arthritis in later years, compared with nearly half of those who did not.

It is vital to avoid injury, however, because this can age joints prematurely. Cycling may be kinder on your knees and lower back (a common site of trouble in regular runners), but such comforts need to be offset against the dangers of falling off or being hit by a car or lorry.

In general, the myriad benefits of exercise outweigh any risks. It is worth seeking guidance from an experienced instructor but there is no need to consult a GP unless there is an existing problem such as high blood pressure or previous heart trouble.

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