Walking over long periods is FAR better than one hour of intense gym exercise

For so many of us who want to take care of their health, what is the best way to handle the exercise regimen, is an important question for all us.  A new research gives an interesting insight into what is better?

Researchers from Maastricht University in Holland, split 18 youngsters aged 19 to 24 into three groups – one sat for 14 hours doing no exercise, the second sat for 13 hours but did an hour of vigorous exercise, and the final group sat for six hours, walked for four and stood for two.

It was found that when energy expended was the same, cholesterol and lipid levels were significantly improved in the group that exercised over a longer period, far more than in the other two groups.

Dr Hans Savelberg, from Maastricht University in Holland, who led the study, said: ‘One hour of daily physical exercise cannot compensate for the negative effects of inactivity on insulin sensitivity and plasma lipids if the rest of the day is spent sitting.

‘Reducing inactivity by low intensity activities such as walking at a leisurely pace and standing is more effective than physical exercise in improving these parameters in sedentary subjects.

Low intensity but regular exercise over a longer period of time is much better than high intensity exercise over a small period.

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Image Credit: mikebaird