Experts: A few minutes of exercise a day can improve heart health

2024-01-07 22:59:02, Shëndeti CNA

Researchers say that moderate physical activity, just a few minutes a day, can benefit the heart of people who do not exercise. Studies show that a walk of about 20 minutes a day, followed by some home exercises to tone the muscles and body, can help protect the heart and overall health.

After sitting for a long time and eating a lot during the holiday season, the New Year offers a chance to get some much-needed physical exercise for the body.

A short jog in the park would definitely bring some benefits. Researchers say that continued moderate physical exercise is good for overall health.

"You get more benefits if you replace ten minutes of sitting with ten minutes of standing. All the research shows how bad sitting or lying down is. So, from watching television, traveling, lying on the sofa or concentrating on the phone", says Dr. Not Blodgett.

Scientists at the Institute of Sport, Fitness and Health at University College London conducted research into how mobility and different exercise patterns over 24 hours are linked to heart health.

They processed data from 15,000 individuals from various countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands.

They researched how much time they spent sitting, standing, sleeping and doing high-caliber exercise.

Based on the research, they ranked the different activities, starting with exercises that increased the heart rate and light physical exercises. They then focused on the energy expended by standing, sleeping or sitting.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that five minutes of moderate exercise that did not exceed the target of vigorous physical activity had a positive effect on heart health compared to sitting.

The research was funded by the British Heart Foundation.

Lead research author Jo Blodgett says the study shows that movement is always important.

"Replacing five minutes of sitting with running or cycling was associated with heart health benefits. But to get the same benefit as standing, you'll need to replace a few hours a day with sitting."

She says scientists compared how long you would need to stand to get the same benefits from a run or a walk in the park. For example, standing in front of a computer while working has benefits, the study shows.

The winter season is an ideal opportunity to take a walk in the park, says Dr. Snehal Pinto Preiera. She says a 20-minute walk a day is recommended by most public health organizations.

"It doesn't have to be a hard physical exercise. Leaning on the wall and pushing. So light physical exercises, even carrying food bags when shopping", says Dr. Snehal Pinto Pereira.

A healthy way to start the New Year./ VOA