Does exercising once a week benefit health or not?

alertnews247

Oct 31, 2024

While daily exercise is often touted as essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, many people struggle to find the time to work out regularly. A common question arises: Does exercising just once or twice a week provide any health benefits? Recent research suggests that it does, particularly for mental health.

2. Study Overview

A medical study conducted by Columbia University explored this question by analyzing data from two surveys involving 10,000 participants from Mexico City. The first survey spanned from 1998 to 2004, while the second followed up with the same individuals from 2015 to 2019. Participants were asked about their exercise habits, including frequency and duration.

Key Findings

Based on their responses, participants were categorized into four groups:

Group 1: Individuals who did not exercise.
Group 2: Individuals who exercised once or twice a week.
Group 3: Individuals who exercised at least 3 to 4 times a week.
Group 4: A combination of those who exercised once or twice a week and those who exercised three to four times a week.

An additional survey evaluated the brain function of these individuals. The researchers discovered that those who exercised once or twice a week had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who were inactive. Furthermore, those who engaged in physical activity three to four times a week saw a 12% reduction in dementia risk.

Implications for Mental Health

The study concluded that exercising once or twice a week can provide similar mental health benefits to those who exercise more frequently. These results were consistent across both men and women. Researchers emphasized that middle-aged individuals could significantly lower their risk of dementia by incorporating exercise into their routines, even if it's just once or twice a week. Notably, 50% of participants who exercised once or twice a week reported working out for at least 30 minutes each session.

This research is particularly encouraging for those who may feel they lack the time for regular workouts. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, reinforcing the idea that any amount of physical activity can contribute to better health.

FAQs

Q: How often should I exercise to see health benefits?

A: Exercising once or twice a week can provide significant mental health benefits, according to recent studies.

Q: Is there a specific duration of exercise recommended?

A: Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise per session is beneficial.

Q: Does this apply to both men and women?

A: Yes, the study's results were consistent across both genders.

Q: What was the source of this research?

A: The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, based on a study conducted by Columbia University.

Conclusion

The findings from this research challenge the notion that only daily exercise can lead to health benefits. For those with busy schedules, exercising once or twice a week can still promote mental well-being and reduce the risk of dementia. As more studies highlight the importance of even minimal physical activity, individuals can feel encouraged to integrate exercise into their lives, no matter how limited their time may be.

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