We have reached a point where it is difficult not to find an aspect related to physical exercise that has not been studied in some depth. And, although the efforts of science and experts in shedding light on various issues are commendable, it is necessary that the trees do not prevent us from seeing the forest. A little physical activity, whether casual or structured, goes a long way and is infinitely better than doing nothing.. This is the fundamental thing.
The best type of exercise or training is the one that becomes the norm and invites us to repeat. In the end it is about generating a healthy habit that lasts over time and benefits us in different ways. Choose the discipline that best suits your circumstances and needs and practice it regularly. That’s the real secret.
However, as we said, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of the fine print and know specific aspects that, when the time comes, may be useful to us. For example, if, as logic dictates, our intention is live longer in a healthy wayit is interesting to know how to articulate the exercise to obtain the best possible results.
Physical exercise: More intense or longer?
“Physical activity promotes longevity and helps in the prevention, management and treatment of chronic diseases. The latest physical activity guidelines from the World Health Organization stopped recommending that physical activity be accumulated in sessions that exceed 10 minutes. The premise is that every minute counts”says Ismael Galancho.
“So far, this is based on several studies that compare the association of non-cumulative moderate to vigorous physical activity, that is, accumulated sporadically throughout the day, with that carried out in specific sessions at a specific time of the day. In other words, Is it better to do a short, intense daily session or do daily exercise for a longer time but at a lower intensity?”, adds the nutritionist and trainer.
In this sense, the expert comments on the results of a work recently published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. “The objective of the study was to investigate how the volume, intensity, duration and fragmentation of physical activity are associated with the risk of mortality from all causes and from cardiovascular diseases,” he says.
Thus, the work led by experts from the University of Basel Switzerland shows that the distribution of the intensity of physical activity accumulated throughout the day may be more important for reducing mortality than the quantity (volume). “Which underlines the relevance of Integrate higher intensity physical activity into daily routines to optimize health”explains Galancho.
The researchers, in the conclusions of their work, suggest that Higher intensity of physical activity is more closely associated with lower risk of mortality than volume of physical activityparticularly with regard to mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The study also shows health benefits from accumulating intense physical activity in continuous sessions rather than sporadically throughout the day.
That is, Swiss scientists assure that accumulating more intense activity in continuous sessions of just 5 minutes may be more effective to reduce all-cause mortality than spreading the same duration of intense activity throughout the day.
“Therefore, intensity is a main factor that reduces the risk of mortalitywhich suggests that the intensity of physical activity, rather than the quantity, is what influences longevity.”, concludes Ismael Galancho.
Álvaro Piqueras is a sports expert and in the last five years he has specialized in fitness, nutrition and other health topics. Try to stay up to date on new research and trends in the fields you master so you can rigorously share the training routine that can inspire a change in your habits, the properties of the foods that should be part of your diet or the scientific findings that can improve the physical and mental well-being of people like you.
He began his career in local and regional media in the land of Don Quixote, specifically in Albacete. From there he made the leap to national media after an enriching stint at a wonderful independent advertising agency named after a Beatles song (GettingBetter), although he always kept his journalistic vocation intact.
Hence, he pursued his dream of working for one of the main publishing groups in the country such as Prisa, Vocento and now also Hearst. Perhaps you have read him in the digital version of Diario As, addressing countless topics, or in ABC and other newspapers and magazines of the group, preparing branded content reports for large brands, multinationals and institutions. And if you haven’t had the chance, now is the time to do it at Men’s Health and Runner’s World.
As it could not be otherwise, he confesses to being a lover of sports and from a very young age he has tried disciplines as diverse as athletics, football, basketball, tennis, cycling or swimming. Sometimes feeling the adrenaline of the competition, and other times simply enjoying the benefits of physical activity. Now he has taken up functional exercises and boxing because he is certain that the bag is incapable of hitting him back.
Graduated in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Alicante, he also has specific training in social media management and direction, strategic planning and graphic design. Lately he has delved into the universe of generative artificial intelligence applied to journalism, but he swears and perjures that he does not use it professionally because, among other considerations, he continues to enjoy every word he writes after 20 years of experience in the communication sector.
