You Can Derive Health Benefits from Less Than 150 Minutes of Physical Activity Per Week
Physical activity is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Regular physical activity can assist people in living a healthy and fulfilling existence. The benefits of exercise range from reducing the risk of chronic diseases to enhancing mental health. Typically, individuals are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to maintain health. However, a recent study indicates that less than half of the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week can have beneficial effects.
The study
was done in Norway over a period of 36 years. The
aim of the study was to determine how different
amounts of physical activity were associated with
mortality. There were approximately 123,000
participants in the study. For the study, the
participants were divided into three groups. One
group engaged in frequent activity, one group was
completely inactive, and one group consisted of
mixed participants: some participants were very
active, and some were inactive. The researchers used
two cut off points for measuring physical activity:
One was 60 minutes per week and the other was 150
minutes per week.
The researchers concluded that as little as 60
minutes per week of physical activity provides
health benefits to an individual. Indeed, there was
a significant reduction in mortality for those
individuals who did participate in at least 60
minutes of physical activity over the 36-month
period. So, if an individual can get at least 60
minutes during the week, that activity may add years
to the person’s life.
Exercise
is essential for a person's health, as it can
reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain
cancers. Exercise also helps to control blood sugar,
lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol
levels. Physical activity can help to reduce
anxiety, tension, and depression and improve a
person's quality of sleep. Physical activity
improves energy levels, strengthens muscles and
bones, and enhances brain function by increasing
blood flow to the brain. Physical activity can
improve life's overall quality by improving
cognitive function, memory, and focus.
If 60 minutes of physical activity per week can
provide some of the benefits mentioned above,
healthcare providers should let patients know that
although 150 minutes of physical activity per week
is recommended, a smaller amount of physical
activity can increase longevity.
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