Any amount of physical activity is good for your heart and lungs. According to a recent study by The Lancet, even short bursts of incidental activity like household chores can help your heart. The researchers found that even activities that last just one to five minutes, like walking or climbing stairs, can be perfect for your heart. In fact, they reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and even early death by 29% to 44%. And if at least 15% of your short activity bursts are intense, it's even better, the study revealed.
Household Chores Are Good For The Heart
The study said that as we get older, the risk of heart problems goes up. If traditional exercise doesn't work for you, these short bursts of activity in your daily life can still make a big difference.
These short bursts of activity can be as simple as walking around your house, climbing stairs, or doing household chores, as they are easy for most people. Even if you don't usually exercise, these short bursts can help you stay healthier, the study concluded. It found that such short bouts of physical activity have similar benefits to regular exercise.
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The study also suggests that doing intense bursts during your short activities, like walking fast for a minute, can be extra good for your heart. This means you don't have to do long sessions of intense exercise as short bursts are effective.
Commenting on the findings, the lead author of the study, Emmanuel Stamatakis, University of Sydney, said, “From walking up the stairs to speedily mopping the floors; in recent years we’ve come to understand that it is not just structured exercise that is good for our health, but we know very little about how these short bouts of incidental activity translate to health benefits."
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This Lancet study is significant as it shines a light on effortless activities that can not only have a positive impact on the heart but also prevent your risk of early death. These funds can help inform public health messaging to target the general population, especially those who do not or cannot exercise.