The less exercise, the better … is a phrase no one ever says. But a new study from the University of Cambridge may offer hope for even the busiest among us.
In a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, scientists say 11 minutes a day of moderately intense physical activity, like a brisk walk, can be enough to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and several types of cancer.
Currently, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death around the world. Physical activity is a key preventive — but for many, the idea of doing 150 minutes of moderately strenuous activity a week feels daunting.
The good news? Researchers found that just 75 minutes per week of moderate activity is enough to reap the benefits of more stringent exercise regimens. That aforementioned short, brisk walk can decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 17% and cancer by 7%.
In particular, you’ll lower your risk of head and neck cancers, as well as myeloid leukemia, myeloma and some stomach cancers. In short, there’s a lot to be said for even a little bit of movement.
Sports and running are great for those who enjoy them. But you can get your daily dose of that much-needed moderate activity by switching up your daily routine and swapping in some new habits, like walking to work or your local coffee shop and engaging in active play with your children or grandchildren. The key is to find something you enjoy so you’ll stand a much better chance of sticking with it.
And if changing your habits feels like too much, start small — like a nice, 11-minute walk. It’ll be over before you know it.