Even a Little Exercise Helps

While lots of exercise is best for you, a recent study showed that even a little bit of exercise helps. In the study, researchers found that 30 minutes of brisk walking, three times a week was enough to lower blood pressure and improve the health of otherwise inactive adults.

In an Irish study, 106 inactive adults between ages 40 and 61 were enrolled. For 12 weeks, 44 subjects walked for 30 minutes, 3 days a week; 42 did a 3o minutes walk 5 days a week. The other were instructed not to make any changes in their lifestyle.

The people in the 3 and 5 week exercise group showed changes in blood pressure and improved hip-to-waist measurements.

Overall the study shows that even a little bit of exercise can improve health. This does not change the current recommendation that adults should have five 30 minute periods of strenuous exercise 5 times a week.

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