Topline
A new study reveals that the heart-healthy benefits of exercising for 150 minutes per week remain constant, regardless of how the exercise is divided across days. This suggests that “weekend warriors”—those who engage in extended exercise sessions only once or twice a week—experience the same benefits as individuals who exercise in shorter spurts more frequently.
A man exercises on outdoor gym equipment on the promenade Paseo Marítimo exercise park by the beach … [+]
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Key Facts
The report released on Tuesday studied 89,500 people with an average age of 62 in three groups: active weekend warriors, active regular exercisers, and inactive individuals. It found that more than half of the participants fell into the category of weekend warriors, achieving the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity over just one or two days per week.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that the weekend warriors had the same reduced risk of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke as those who engaged in evenly distributed physical activity—spreading the same amount of exercise over four to seven days per week.
While previous research indicated that weekend warriors were more prone to shoulder and elbow injuries due to a lack of regular conditioning, the Boston researchers stated that both groups of physically active individuals had a similarly reduced risk of musculoskeletal conditions.
The CDC reported earlier this year that only 28% of Americans exercise enough, and the percentage is even lower for those living outside of cities, with only 16% meeting the recommendation.
Key Background
The U.K. National Health Service recommends spreading 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity “evenly over 4-5 days per week, or every day.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, along with two days of muscle-strengthening activities, without specifying when these should be performed. The CDC highlights various benefits of regular exercise, including better sleep, lower blood pressure, decreased risk of certain cancers, reduced anxiety, and a lower risk of developing dementia or depression.
Big Number
$117 billion. That’s the estimated annual healthcare cost associated with adults not getting enough physical activity, according to the CDC.
Further Reading
Just 28% Of Americans Are Exercising Enough, CDC Says—And It’s Even Lower In Some Regions (Forbes)
Peloton Shares Plummet 7% As Exercise Company Recalls 2.2 Million Bikes (Forbes)
Exercise May Be The Best Treatment For Depression, New Studies Suggest (Forbes)
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
