For years, we’ve been told that moving more and sitting less is the way to get healthier, but new research suggests certain types of movement may deliver more health benefits than others. When it comes to working out, going harder may be better than going longer, as it can lower the risk of multiple diseases.
According to a new study, just a few minutes of intense exercise is linked to a reduced risk of eight different chronic diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, dementia, and type 2 diabetes.
- Researchers analyzed data on more than 96-thousand people, comparing their overall activity levels, amount of vigorous activity and disease risk.
- People who did the most vigorous activity had:
- A 63% lower risk of dementia
- A 60% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- A 48% lower risk of fatty liver disease
- A 44% lower risk of chronic respiratory disease
- A 41% lower risk of chronic kidney disease
- A 39% lower risk of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
- A 31% lower risk of major cardiovascular events
- A 29% lower risk of atrial fibrillation
- And 46% lower risk of death from any cause.
- Study authors point out that even 15 to 20 minutes of intense exercise a week, or just a few minutes a day, is linked to meaningful health benefits. They recommend short bursts of intense activity like running for the bus, taking the stairs quickly, and playing actively with kids.
So, why does just a little bit of vigorous exercise make such a difference? Researchers say it seems to trigger specific responses in the body that lower-intensity activity doesn’t. "During vigorous physical activity – the kind that makes you feel out of breath – your body responds in powerful ways,” they explain. “Your heart pumps more efficiently, your blood vessels become more flexible, and your body improves its ability to use oxygen."
Source: USA Today