Most Health Benefits in Moderate to Vigorous Workout: Study
The Boston University study researcher says moderate and regular exercise is significantly better than more mileage.
A recent study out of Boston University has revealed interesting findings regarding physical activity, concluding that regular exercise of a moderate to vigorous level has the most health benefits.
The study also revealed good news for people who already engage in moderate to intense physical activity but may feel guilty for spending too much time on the couch.
The research, conducted by Dr. Matthew Nayor, found that the more time someone exercises on a moderate to an intense level, the greater chance they can counteract the adverse effects of inactivity.
Dr. Nayor is a cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University who worked on the Framingham Heart Study, which was recently published in the European Heart Journal.
In an interview with The Brink, a research publication of Boston University, Dr. Nayor clarifies some of the findings on most health benefits.
Dr. Nayor says that the study shows that there could be a “memory effect” when it comes to a current fitness level.
He explains to The Brink, “Interestingly, we found that participants with high activity values at one assessment and low values at another assessment, performed eight years apart, had equivalent levels of fitness, whether or not the high value coincided with the fitness testing.”
With regards to fitness trackers and users trying to achieve a high number of steps per day, Dr. Nayor says that while more mileage indicates a higher level of fitness, moderate and routine physical activity is still significantly better when it comes to most health benefits.
The study revealed that moderate exertion is three times more beneficial than getting in steps per day and will help with the aging process and improve fitness levels.
Dr. Nayor made a point to say that while using step counters with a low-level of exertion may not be as beneficial compared to more intense activity, he doesn’t want to discourage people from using them.
The Framingham Heart study was backed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, a Career Investment Award from the BU School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine, the Evans Medical Foundation, and the Jay and Louis Coffman Endowment from BU School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine.
