Is it OK to work out on weekends only? Yes, if daily exercise can’t fit your schedule, researchers show - it’s just as good for you
- 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly lowers your risk of dying
- Exercising just at the weekend can offer the same benefits as daily exercise, long-term study in US shows
Just because you don’t exercise regularly during the week doesn’t mean you can’t make it up on the weekend.
The World Health Organization offers guidelines for physical activity, suggesting adults get at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
While experts have suggested people spread regular exercise throughout the week, that’s not always feasible for everyone.
An international team of researchers analysed the exercise routines and health of more than 350,000 American adults who participated in the US National Health Interview Survey from 1997 to 2013 to see what could be learned about different approaches to physical activity.
Health benefits of weekend exercise
Over the years study subjects were followed – each was tracked over an average of 10 years – those who achieved a total of 75 minutes of vigorous activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity over one or two days each week had an 8 per cent lower risk of all causes of death than physically inactive participants; and the same risk of death from all causes, heart disease and cancer as those who exercised the same amount but over three to five days.