Weekend Exercise Offers Big Health Benefits: Study
Are you a “weekend warrior,” someone who squeezes in all your exercise into one or two days a week? If so, you’re not alone. Many people lead busy lives and find it challenging to fit regular exercise into their daily routine. But a new study suggests that your efforts may not be in vain. In fact, the study found that “weekend warriors” can reap similar health benefits as those who exercise regularly.
The study, published in Circulation, tracked nearly 90,000 people over a period of 10 years. Researchers found that those who engaged in intense physical activity just one to two days a week had a reduced risk of developing over 200 diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
So, what does this mean for you? Can you really get away with exercising just on the weekends and still stay healthy? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
Consistency matters, but intensity-packed weekends still count
The study’s lead author, Dr. Tanja Ziegler, emphasized that while consistency is important, it’s not the only factor that matters. “Intensity and frequency of physical activity seem to be more important than the duration,” she said in an interview. “If you’re doing something that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat, that’s what’s going to give you the benefits.”
In other words, it’s not just about how long you exercise, but how hard you’re working out. So, if you’re someone who likes to push yourself during your weekend workouts, you can still reap the benefits of exercise, even if you’re not doing it every day.
What are the benefits of weekend exercise?
So, what are the specific benefits of exercising just on the weekends? Here are a few:
- Reduced risk of heart disease: Regular physical activity has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease. And, according to the study, this is true even if you’re only exercising on the weekends.
- Improved mental health: Exercise is a natural mood-booster, and the study found that weekend warriors had a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
- Weight management: Exercising intensely on the weekends can help you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
- Increased energy: Regular physical activity can give you a boost of energy and help you feel more alert and focused.
Tips for making the most of your weekend workouts
So, how can you make the most of your weekend workouts and reap the benefits of exercise? Here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead: Schedule your workouts for the weekend and make sure they’re non-negotiable.
- Find an activity you enjoy: Pick an activity that you love, whether it’s running, hiking, or dancing. This will make it more likely that you’ll stick to your routine.
- Mix it up: Vary your workouts to avoid boredom and prevent plateaus. Try new activities or join a fitness class to keep things interesting.
- Make it a social event: Exercising with friends or family can make it more enjoyable and help you stay accountable.
Conclusion
The study’s findings are exciting news for anyone who struggles to fit exercise into their daily routine. While consistency is important, intensity-packed weekends can still provide significant health benefits. So, whether you’re a “weekend warrior” or a regular exerciser, make sure to schedule your workouts and give it your all.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/can-you-be-a-weekend-warrior-and-still-stay-healthy
Note: The article is based on the study published in Circulation and is intended to provide general information on the benefits of weekend exercise. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the guidance of a healthcare professional.
