New Delhi, November 5 (IANS). In today’s fast-paced life, fitness has become an excuse for many people to sweat for hours in the gym. But a recent report by the American Heart Association (HAA) has challenged this thinking. According to him, it is more effective than long and tiring workouts. This is called moderate intensity exercise, i.e. regular physical activity of moderate pace.
In the report (published in 2024), experts have said that the real secret of fitness is not just in lifting weights or high-intensity training, but in keeping the body continuously active. Be it daily brisk walking, cycling, light jogging or doing household chores, all these activities, if done regularly, have a deep positive effect on both the heart and mind.
According to the American Heart Association, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. This means about 20–30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. This not only keeps blood pressure and cholesterol under control, but also reduces stress levels and inflammation.
Researchers also reported that people who do light but consistent exercise daily are healthier than those who do intense workouts only once or twice a week. Putting excessive pressure on the body can often cause problems like muscle strain (muscle strain), knee pain (knee pain) and heart overload (excessive burden on the heart). On the contrary, moderate exercise gradually strengthens the body and keeps it in balance.
Interestingly, the report said “active lifestyle” is more important than “workout routine”. That is, if you take the stairs instead of the lift, walk a short distance instead of the car, or do a few minutes of stretching while watching TV—this is as beneficial for heart health as a gym session.
Experts say moderate activity acts like “restorative motion” for our bodies—not only boosting metabolism but also affecting sleep quality, mental health, and the immune system.
–IANS
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