NEW YORK, Nov 25, (Agencies): For many individuals, weekdays are synonymous with a demanding work schedule, leaving minimal time for exercise. However, recent research suggests that dedicating at least 150 minutes to workouts over the weekend might be as beneficial as spreading the same amount of exercise across the week. The study, featured in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), tracked nearly 90,000 participants and revealed that engaging in moderate to vigorous activity concentrated on one or two days weekly provides comparable cardiovascular benefits to a distributed weekly exercise routine.

Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and the study's lead researcher, emphasizes the empowering notion that the method of achieving exercise goals matters less than the actual commitment to regular physical activity. Regardless of whether it's a weekend run, bike ride, soccer match, or a brisk walk, all forms of exercise contribute positively to health.

While the traditional recommendation often advocates for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, Dr. Khurshid acknowledges the difficulty of this routine for those with limited time during the week. The research also presents encouraging findings for individuals like Kathy Odds, a weekend warrior who participates in a running group on Saturdays. Odds, who has a demanding job at a bank, appreciates the opportunity to prioritize both her physical and mental well-being during weekend workouts.

Utilizing weekends for exercise becomes particularly valuable as daylight decreases, offering a practical solution for maintaining an active lifestyle. However, it's essential to note that other research underscores the benefits of consistent, less intense movements, especially for individuals with sedentary workdays. Dr. Keith Diaz from Columbia University Irving Medical Center highlights the positive impact of brief walks throughout the day, emphasizing their role in offsetting the potential health risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.