New research from the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that weekend workouts are just as effective as daily exercise for improving health and reducing the risk of death. According to a study of 93,409 adults, those who exercised one to two days a week experienced similar health benefits to those who spread their workouts throughout the week, especially for heart disease and cancer prevention.
Key Findings:
- 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week is essential, regardless of whether it’s done over several days or concentrated into weekends.
- The study suggests weekend warriors have a 32% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to inactive people, and 26% lower risk compared to those exercising daily.
- Whether through jogging, gardening, or cycling, all forms of moderate to vigorous exercise count toward your weekly goal.
Considerations for Weekend Warriors: While cramming workouts into the weekend can provide similar benefits, musculoskeletal injuries may occur more frequently with this approach. Warm-up exercises and gradually increasing workout intensity can help reduce injury risks.
In conclusion, the key to longevity and health is ensuring you meet the 150-minute exercise guideline, whether through weekend workouts or daily routines.
