If you struggle to find time to get out during the week, take heart: recent research indicates that extended weekend workouts may have equal advantages for your heart health.
The main finding of a recent study by Harvard University is that, whether you manage it over the course of several days or concentrate it on just one or two, getting 150 minutes of moderate to strenuous activity each week is the target.
The advice we frequently hear suggests spreading out your activity throughout the course of the week. Unexpectedly, the study found that the risk of heart attack was reduced by 27% among persons who divided their 2.5 hours of activity into fewer days. Even people who worked out more frequently during the week experienced a significant 35% reduction in this risk. This proves that exercising over a shorter period of time or being a “weekend warrior,” can be just as beneficial for your heart health.
Researchers looked at information from the UK Biobank, a database that includes details on more than 500,000 participants between the ages of 40 and 69. Some individuals were given wrist-mounted accelerometers so that the researchers could track their movement continually.
The study’s key finding is that engaging in 150 minutes of moderate to strenuous activity each week is crucial, regardless of whether you like to spread out your exercise or fit it all into the weekend. Nonetheless, doctors stress the importance of taking injury prevention measures, especially for those choosing to engage in vigorous weekend workouts. Many exercise-related injuries can be avoided by gradually increasing exercise and implementing suitable warm-up and cool-down regimens.
Choose the activity that suits you the most, whether it be a brisk walk, a swim, or a cycle, and try to complete 150 minutes of it each week. Remember, finding what works for your schedule while making sure your heart is healthy is important.
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