HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

A Little Exercise Is Better Than None

April 03,
2017

A "weekend warrior" might choose to go to an indoor climbing gym for some exercise. This one
is in Boulder, Colorado 2016. (AP Photo)

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A Little Exercise Is Better Than None

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From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report.

Exercise is good for us. It reduces the risks of dying from all causes, including cancer
and heart disease. This is according to the World Health Organization.

But many people who work all week have little time for exercise.

So, they might try to do something to increase their heart rates over the weekend
go for a long run, take a bike ride, hike in the mountains or do a strenuous chore
around the house, such as raking leaves, shoveling snow or digging a garden.

Gardening is a popular outdoor activity for many during the weekend. It's good exercise too.
(AP Photo)

We sometimes call people who exercise only on Saturdays and Sundays weekend
warriors. But is it healthy to avoid exercise during the work-week and then try to fit
it all in during the weekend?

A new study suggests that, yes, it is healthy: Even weekend warriors may reduce their
risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Benefits of being a weekend warrior

Australian researchers at the University of Sydney conducted the study. It took place
over a nine-year period.

During that time, the researchers looked at the self-reported exercise habits and
health examinations of more than 63,000 adults in England and Scotland. Then
they connected that information to mortality or, death records.

The researchers found that people who exercised only one or two days a week
improved their chances of living longer than people who did not exercise at all.

Even those who are very overweight or, obese could extend their lives by
exercising a couple of days per week. Exercises included playing sports and taking a
brisk walk.

First, lets look at cancer. When compared to those who did not exercise at all,
weekend warriors had an 18 percent lower risk of dying from cancer.

As for cardiovascular disease, weekend warriors had a 40 percent lower risk of

cardiovascular disease than inactive people, or so-called "couch potatoes." Couch
potatoes are people who dont exercise. They simply sit all day like, well, like
potatoes.

Emmanuel Stamatakis is the senior author of the study. He says that he found it
"very encouraging" that even people who exercised as little as one or two times a
week appear to lower their risk of early death.

In other words, their health improves even if they don't meet the suggested weekly
amount of physical activity. However, to be in the best health, Stamatakis says, more
exercise is better.

The WHO suggests that the average adult get at least 150 minutes of moderate to
intense activity per week. For the best results, the organization suggests 75 minutes
per week of vigorous physical activity.
However, if you are busy with work and family duties, exercise as much as you can.
Research seems to show that even a little is definitely better than none at all.

The researchers published their findings in the journal JAMA (JAM-ah) Internal
Medicine.

And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo.

Jessica Berman reported this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for
Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

strenuous
adj. requiring or showing great energy and effort

mortality n. the quality or state of being a person or thing that is alive and
therefore certain to die : the quality or state of being mortal

obese
adj. very fat : fat in a way that is unhealthy

brisk
adj. done with quickness and energy

specifically adv. in a definite and exact way

moderate
adj. average in size or amount : neither too much nor too little

intense
adj. done with or showing great energy, enthusiasm, or effort

vigorous
adj. done with great force and energy

____________________________________________________________
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