Moderate-Vigorous Exercise Is The Best Way To Improve Fitness, Study Suggests
Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine have been researching the effects of physical exercise on greater physical fitness. Is hitting your step count with a gentle stroll as good as believed, or is it all about moderate-vigorous exercise?
The Study
2,000 participants undertook comprehensive cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) for the “gold standard” measurement of physical fitness, which helps to understand someone's maximum capacity to utilise oxygen. These measurements were then associated with the physical activity data of the participants.
Physical activity data was gained through the use of accelerometers, which is a device that measures the frequency and intensity of human movement. The participants wore the accelerometers for one week around the time of their CPET, and approximately eight years earlier.
This range allowed the researchers to gain a broader view of the effects of exercise on greater physical fitness levels.
The Results
Take Home Message
Some days getting in your preferred exercise can be difficult. Ideally, you should manage to complete some form of moderate-vigorous exercise a few times a week, which can include anything from running to swimming. But, if this isn’t always possible, then just getting moving is better than nothing. Whilst walking may not have been proven to increase fitness levels, there are many other benefits.
READ MORE HERE:
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210827133756.htm
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults#:~:text=Examples%20of%20vigorous-intensity%20aerobic%20activities%3A%20hiking%20uphill%20or,10%20miles%20per%20hour%20or%20faster%20jumping%20rope
