Washington: The world is going through a lot of changes, bringing about chronic diseases, unhealthy lifestyles, and various health issues. In the midst of all this, everyone is on a quest for a healthier life, and for many, adding exercise to the routine is the way to go.
While the common belief is that weekdays are meant for physical activity, with weekends reserved for rest, a recent study challenges this idea. It suggests that putting in at least 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of exercise on weekends can make up for skipping workouts during the week.
Weekend Workouts are Just as Good as Exercising Throughout the Week
A study, hot off the press in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), claims that focused and moderately intense physical activity during the weekends, even if it’s just one or two days a week, provides cardiovascular benefits comparable to spreading your workouts throughout the week.
Dr. Shaan Khurshid, the head researcher and a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, put it simply, “I think it’s empowering to say it doesn’t matter so much how you get it. The important thing is that you do get it,” as shared on CBS News.
The study emphasizes that any dedicated physical activity—be it a weekend jog, bike ride, soccer game, or brisk walk—adds up to the overall health benefits.
Dr. Khurshid added, “As a doctor, we often say, you know, 30 minutes, five days a week. It makes sense in certain schedules, but that is also very difficult to achieve for other people who only have the weekend available or only have one or two days a week.”
Kathy Odds, a Weekend Warrior
CBS News caught up with Kathy Odds, who swears by Saturday runs. She pointed out the challenge of finding time to exercise due to her demanding job at a bank. For her, weekend exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s a chance to socialize, giving a boost to both her physical and mental well-being.
Another perk highlighted in the research is the flexibility of weekend exercise, especially as daylight dwindles earlier.
On the flip side, another study suggests that exercise and physical activity can be beneficial with less intensity but more frequent movement. This study specifically targeted individuals with desk jobs.
Dr. Keith Diaz, an exercise physiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, led this study. He explained on CBS News that taking short walks every hour could go a long way for a healthy life. He emphasized that sitting for extended periods could lead to heart disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of certain cancers.