The Benefits of Weekend Warrior Exercise: Lower Risk of Future Diseases
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find time for regular exercise amidst work and other obligations. However, a study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has shown that the “weekend warrior” pattern of exercise, where individuals concentrate their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in one or two days of the week, can be just as effective at reducing the risk of future diseases as more evenly distributed exercise. This finding is significant, as it offers a viable exercise option for those who may struggle to fit in regular workouts throughout the week.
Co-senior author Shaan Khurshid, MD, MPH, emphasizes the importance of physical activity in preventing a wide range of diseases. He states, “Physical activity is known to affect the risk of many diseases, from cardiovascular conditions to mood disorders and beyond. Our study highlights the potential benefits of weekend warrior activity in lowering the risk of future diseases across the spectrum.”
The study, published in Circulation, analyzed data from 89,573 individuals participating in the UK Biobank study. Participants wore wrist accelerometers to track their physical activity levels over one week, and their activity patterns were categorized as weekend warrior, regular, or inactive based on the recommended threshold of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week.
Results showed that both weekend warrior and regular exercise patterns were associated with significantly lower risks of over 200 diseases compared to being inactive. The strongest associations were seen for cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, with lower risks observed in both weekend warriors and regular exercisers.
According to co-senior author Patrick Ellinor, MD, PhD, “The findings suggest that the total volume of physical activity is more important than the pattern in reducing the risk of future diseases. Whether you exercise a little bit every day or concentrate your activity into a couple of days, the benefits are similar.”
The study underscores the importance of engaging in guideline-adherent physical activity, regardless of the pattern chosen. Khurshid emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to promote physical activity and improve public health outcomes. Patients should be encouraged to find an exercise routine that works best for them, whether it’s spreading out their workouts throughout the week or being a weekend warrior.
Ultimately, the key takeaway from this study is that any form of physical activity is beneficial for lowering the risk of future diseases. By incorporating exercise into your routine, you can take proactive steps towards improving your overall health and well-being. So whether you’re a dedicated gym-goer or a weekend warrior, keep moving and stay active to reap the long-term benefits for your health.
