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Need for Vigorous Exercise

From BBC Health News.

“Misleading” government guidelines have led to many Britons wrongly believing that moderate exercise is as beneficial as a vigorous workout, a study alleges.
In a survey of nearly 1,200 people, around half of men and three quarters of women thought moderate exercise conferred the greatest health benefits.

Guidelines urge 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day five days per week.

But the authors of the study, published in Preventive Medicine, said vigorous exercise was best for averting disease.

The NHS guidelines say “taking a brisk walk, spending some time doing the gardening or doing a few laps of the local swimming pool on the way home from work” can all improve health.

But the researchers from Exeter and Brunel Universities said these activities were unlikely to do much for them.

“It’s extremely worrying that British adults now believe that a brief stroll and a bit of gardening is enough to make them fit and healthy,” said Dr Gary O’Donovan, lead author.

“Brisk walking offers some health benefits, but jogging, running and other vigorous activities offer maximal protection from disease.”

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The article goes on to say that part of the problem is a series of studies with conflicting results. While any exercise is better than no exercise, vigorous exercise provides the maximum health benefits. You can read the rest of the article HERE.

October 10, 2007 - Posted by | Diet / Weight Loss, Health Issues, News

4 Comments »

  1. a nutrituionist once told me that the ideal is to have your heart rate be at least 100bpm for 20 minutes to actually benefit from exercise.. the rule i use myself is that i should be sweating within the first 3 minutes.. and have at 30 minutes for the daily workout..

    snookie's avatar Comment by snookie | October 10, 2007 | Reply

  2. God – I don’t move a muscle now adays :$

    chikapappi's avatar Comment by chikapappi | October 10, 2007 | Reply

  3. Snookie – Brava! Brava! I’ll bet you are in great shape. Good for you!

    Chikapappi – you and I need to hit the pool! Doesn’t it look like they are having fun? 🙂

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | October 11, 2007 | Reply

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