Working out More Frequently and the Effect on Heart Disease
We’ve all heard of breaking our food intake into more frequent and smaller meals throughout the way. But who would’ve thought that exercising works the same way. Scientists now suggest in our busy society, the fact that most of us don’t have time to workout for 30 minutes straight every day may be better for our hearts. If workouts are broken into a minimum of 10 minute durations throughout the day, the American Heart Association reports it may actually reduce the risk of heart attack. They also report that those who workout more frequently during the week significantly decrease their risk of heart disease versus those who workout only 1-3 times per week.
In a 12 year study on 22,000 men, physicians found what is expected, but at the same time not. As one participates in a vigorous workout, the heart rate steadily increases up to a certain point, and the risk of heart attack related death. However, for those who participated in workouts 5 times a week instead of 1 or 3, their risk of heart disease over time went significantly down. However, according to Claudia Chae MD, benefits after 24 minutes of continuous exercise plateau.
In said study, those exercising 5 times or more per week benefited from a 46% lower rate of heart attacks and heart disease related death. Exercise was also defined by that vigorous enough to cause a sweat, and each was specifically timed. However, the population should keep in mind that no such study has yet been conducted on women, only men were included in above study.
However, in general terms, for both men and women, the American heart association still suggests that more frequent workouts of approximately 30 minute durations in those 65 or younger is better for weight loss and heart health. Some even suggest that workouts longer than 30 minutes decrease the intensity and therefore effectiveness of the workout as a whole.
1. American Heart Association Science Blog. Frequent Workouts Better For Heart. http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/1997/A/199700045.html 1997.
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/AN01947
3. Gruenmay, Jennifer. Frequent Workouts Are More Effective. Lifescript. October 29, 2006. http://www.lifescript.com/Body/Shape/Fit-tips/Frequent_Workouts_Are_More_Effective.aspx?page=postcomment