10 Minutes of Physical Activity Daily Can Reduce Risk of Hospitalization
Physical activity has long been associated with a range of health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, and protection against conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity.[0] A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that even just 10 minutes of exercise each day can drastically reduce the risk of hospitalization due to a variety of medical conditions, ranging from gallbladder disease to diabetes.
The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization and looked at over 30 million people, found that people who exercised regularly had a 23% reduced risk of death from any cause, a 19% reduced risk of heart disease and a 10% reduced risk of cancer. The study also suggested that even less than the recommended amount of exercise (150-300 minutes per week) had beneficial effects on overall health.[1]
But when it comes to exercise, timing is important. A 2020 study found that people with type 2 diabetes improved their metabolic health more if they worked out in the evening than if they worked out in the morning.[2] Another study found that late-morning exercisers burned more fat than late-evening exercisers.[3]
According to Dr Soren Brage, the study’s author, “Doing some physical activity is better than doing none. If you find that 75 minutes a week is manageable, then you could try stepping it up gradually to the full recommended amount.”[4]
So, if you want to improve your health and reduce your risk of hospitalization and other medical conditions, adding just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can make a big difference. And if you’re looking to maximize the benefits, you can time your workouts to your circadian rhythms for optimal improvements in coordination, energy metabolism and sleep.[0] Late risers should exercise later in the day instead of forcing themselves to get out of bed for early workouts, while those looking to burn more fat should focus on late-morning workouts.[5]
0. “Any exercise is beneficial, but afternoon workouts may be best, study finds” PhillyVoice.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.phillyvoice.com/best-time-exercise-afternoon-workout-/
1. “Walking for 11-Minutes Could Reduce Your Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease” The Daily Beast, 28 Feb. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/walking-for-11-minutes-could-reduce-your-risk-of-cancer-and-heart-disease
2. “People who exercise in the afternoon live longer, study finds — but morning workouts may burn more fat” Yahoo Singapore News, 23 Feb. 2023, https://sg.news.yahoo.com/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/people-exercise-afternoon-live-longer-211221678.html-exercise-afternoon-live-longer-211221678.html
3. “Morning Exercise Burns More Body Fat, Mouse Study Shows” MENAFN.COM, 21 Feb. 2023, https://menafn.com/1105606987/Morning-Exercise-Burns-More-Body-Fat-Mouse-Study-Shows
4. “The secret to living longer – walk for just 11 minutes a day” Express, 28 Feb. 2023, https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1740650/live-longer-walking-daily-cardiovascular-disease
5. “What’s the Best Time of Day to Exercise? It Depends on Your Goals” WebMD, 20 Jun. 2022, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20220620/best-time-of-day-to-exercise-goals