Now this is some good news for folks who hate to exercise: a recent study shows that an ancient Chinese remedy – frequently prescribed as an aphrodisiac – can actually improve cardiovascular fitness for middle-aged couch potatoes.

For the 131 volunteers in the trial, there was a significant increase in aerobic fitness when participants took supplements based on fermented extracts of the Chinese cordyceps mushroom, scientists found.

The volunteers were aged between 40 and 70 and they were monitored for lung capacity, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure during and after short bouts of vigorous exercise and endurance walks.

Cancel my snorkeling tomorrow, I’m headed to China Town!