Timing is Everything!

How does a multi-tasker like you find a whole hour in a day for a gym, workout? If the answer is you don’t, there’s no reason to write off exercise. It turns out every minute of intense activity does your body good. Studies of adults aged 18 to 64 showed that intense exercise in short bursts, like walking briskly from your car or taking the stairs will help your fitness as much as longer workouts. Researchers measured the physical activity and body mass index of more than 4500 adults, finding that each minute of vigorous activity lowered their risk of being overweight.

It’s welcome news, considering the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends engaging in moderate to intense physical activity in blocks of at least 10 minutes duration.  Less intense activity didn’t help with weight according to recent studies, but it’s still good for you. Even low levels of activity, like gardening or walking for just 20 minutes a day can prevent future depression. Other research has suggested that gentle exercise may ease active symptoms of depression and contribute to better control of blood sugar and cholesterol.

While people think they need to get their heart pounding before they’re getting a benefit, while research says even walking at a leisurely pace can help. It’s something people can keep in mind when they are out and about.

Source: Zoomer magazine, May 2014