You don't have train for a marathon to get a little fitter and ward off the Grim Reaper. According to a new study by researchers at Iowa State University, running just five to ten minutes a day can significantly reduce the chance of heart attack.

In analyzing health data from more than 55,000 adults spanning 15 years -- including information on their exercise habits -- researchers were able to conclude that runners were 45 percent less likely to die from heart disease or stroke than non-runners. What's more, the reduced risk was not dependent on speed or duration.

"Most people say they don't have time to exercise or to increase their physical activity, but I think most everyone can find five to 10 minutes per day to run for the health benefits," explained Duck-chul Lee, lead author of the new study and an assistant professor of kinesiology. "I hope more people will be motivated by this study and hope that they can start running and continue to run."

The study was published this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.