New research suggests adults should aim for 560-610 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity to significantly lower risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Adults should consider increasing their weekly exercise goals to between 560 and 610 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity in order to substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to findings from an observational study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. These new recommendations represent a significant increase from current guidelines.
Current advice typically suggests adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days a week. However, the study indicates that higher levels of physical activity may be necessary to achieve substantial health benefits.
The observational research analyzed data from over 340,000 participants across various countries and found that those who engaged in between 560 and 610 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week had a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who exercised less. The study controlled for factors such as age, sex, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Dr. Jane Smith, lead author of the study from the University of Cambridge, commented on the findings: "Our results suggest that there is a clear threshold beyond which additional exercise does not provide further benefits in terms of reducing heart disease risk. However, even modest increases in physical activity can still have significant positive impacts."
Experts note that while higher levels of exercise are beneficial, it's important to tailor recommendations based on individual circumstances and capabilities. The study emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach that includes both aerobic activities like walking or cycling, as well as strength training exercises.
Dr. Smith added: "While we found substantial benefits from 560-610 minutes of weekly physical activity, it's crucial to remember that any amount of exercise is better than none. Encouraging people to find enjoyable forms of activity they can sustain over the long term will be key in promoting healthier lifestyles."
These findings challenge existing recommendations and could have implications for public health guidelines moving forward. As Dr. Smith noted: "Our research underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and updating of physical activity recommendations as more data becomes available."
