MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Too much sitting at work or at home could be taking a couple years off your life.

Researchers in Britain say excessive sitting can be linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

The researchers looked at a combination of 5 studies that tracked 167,000 people. Their results showed that if Americans reduce the amount of time they spend sitting by 3 hours a day, it could raise a person’s life expectancy by 2 years.

They also say 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five times a week is key to staying healthy.