A new study reveals that incorporating moderate to vigorous activity into daily routines, even without formal exercise, can significantly improve health and longevity. Researchers analyzed the movements of over 20,000 adults who did not formally exercise. They found that those who moved briskly during daily activities experienced a lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
Key Finding: Even small amounts of brisk activity, less than five minutes a day, can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health.
Moderate Activity: 24 minutes a day of moderate activity reduced cardiovascular risks by as much as 50%.
Vigorous Activity: Just five minutes a day of vigorous movement was associated with a nearly 40% lower likelihood of dying from heart problems.
Emmanuel Stamatakis, who led the study, suggests finding opportunities to increase the intensity of daily chores and activities. Simple changes, such as taking the stairs quickly or walking at a faster pace, can make a difference. Martin Gibala, an exercise scientist, notes that incorporating even a little moderate or vigorous activity into daily life can have meaningful health effects.