There’s good news for those who hate to exercise or can’t find the time: any kind of activity – housework included – can offer health benefits. But there’s a catch: you must move as often as you can!
Simon Fraser University teamed with several other international institutes to collect “activity” data from 17 countries. This was one of few studies tracking results of total daily activities – including non-leisure time activities, says lead researcher Dr. Scott Lear, professor of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University.
The study collected data from over 130,000 low-to-high income people, aged 35–70. Researchers gathered the total amount of recreational and non-recreational physical activity and, 6.9 years later, assessed mortality and cardiovascular disease rates. Lear says the study confirms any physical activity – at home, work or the gym – contributes to reducing the risk of early death or heart disease and stroke.
“It didn’t matter if that activity came from being active during leisure time or at work,” explains Lear, who also conducts research at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Whether they followed an exercise program, walked to work, or vacuumed, participants showed improvement in important health factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar control and mental well-being. Even at lower intensities and low duration, there was risk reduction – although lower activity levels aren’t as effective at increasing fitness levels, cautions Lear.
Nick Lapointe, Exercise Physiologist with University of Calgary’s Kinesiology Department, agrees we can receive some benefits by simply moving regularly.
“There’s no question it’s important to get up and move often throughout the day. Household chores, walking the dog and most activities of daily living do increase caloric expenditure and can certainly help with weight loss.” However, Lapointe advises taking the claim “everyday activity is as good as going to the gym” with a grain of salt.
“I think jumping to that conclusion is very misleading. To see any significant change in body composition, we need to stress the body. Without stressing the body, it has no reason to adapt. These activities of daily living simply do not provide enough stress to stimulate any significant changes in the long term.” He adds you still need to hit the gym on a regular basis, especially if trying to achieve a particular health or fitness goal.
“More activity does offer greater benefits,” confirms Lear. However, if you can’t get to the gym regularly, Lear and Lapointe suggest to simply keep moving whenever you can throughout the day. Whether you work out in the gym or sweep its floors, it’s increased activity throughout the day that offers health benefits and protects your heart.
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Eve Lees has been active in the health & fitness industry since 1979. Currently, she is a Freelance Health Writer for several publication and speaks to business and private groups on various health topics.