Short bouts of activity found to bring similar benefits to more extended periods of exercise
Posted on 17 November 2008
Activity and exercise come in many different forms, but my number one favourite is walking. This is at least partly based on the fact that walking is something almost everyone can do, and doesn
Published November 17, 2008 . Filed under: Exercise and Activity
[...] This study finds that several short (<10 minute) bouts of moderate intensity physical activity may reduce cardiovascular disease risks. Check out a better wright up at drbriffa.com. [...]
November 18, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Dr Briffa,
Firstly thanks for continuing flow of interesting blog entries, most of which question ithe existing orthodox views.
My take on this “research” is:
(i) Some activity is better than none.
(ii) If triglycerides are a inditor of CVD risk, cutting carbohydrate intake and following a low carb diet would be far more beneficial.
There seems to be a never ending debate about how much or little exercise is beneficial froma health perspective. I guess it depends on numerous factors, but particularly how active an individual is. If you ahve a sedentary occupation, then you probably need to find room for “exercise”. Similarly if you commute to work by car. If you have an physically demanding occupation you probably get plenty of exercise going about your every day business.
With regard to exercise, type, duration, intensity, etc are all factors which receive dabate. I personally believe everybody should include tasks which maintain or better still develop their endurance, strength and flexibility. Something like yoga, weights and some form of aeobic activity on a daily basis. gardening, walking, housework, commuting, etc can all contribute.
But I personally believe that first and foremost you want to get your diet right. Avoiding processed foods, complex carbs and sugars, and getting plenty of good quality fats, protein and certainly have more of an impact on triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure than even a prodigous amount of exercise.
It would probaly result in the need to take less prescribed drugs as well.
Paul Anderson.
November 21, 2008 @ 2:00 am