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Movement as a 'lifestyle medicine': how much do you really need to experience the benefits?

Movement as a 'lifestyle medicine': how much do you really need to experience the benefits?
ANAuthors: Adastra & NiezłomnyHealthResearch-basedEvidence-based · 2 sources
Read In:PLDEEN

You don’t need to run marathons for movement to make a difference. The most significant health improvements often occur between doing 'almost nothing' and 'a little, consistently.'

You don’t need to run marathons for movement to make a difference. The most significant health improvements often occur between doing 'almost nothing' and 'a little, consistently.'

What the WHO recommends

The WHO recommends 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity, along with muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

Movement and mood

In a comprehensive network meta-analysis of randomized trials on depression, beneficial effects were noted for walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training, among others.

The best workout is the one that finds its way back onto your calendar

The ideal plan that you never follow is less effective than 20 minutes of walking five times a week.

Strength after forty and beyond

Resistance training helps maintain muscle mass and function.

How to get started after a long break

Set a minimum benchmark: 10 minutes of movement a day for the first week.

What science says

The benefits of physical activity are supported by a wide-ranging evidence base. In treating depression, exercise shows moderate effects.

Further reading: Daniel Lieberman, 'Exercised'

Sources

  • Bull F.C. et al. WHO 2020 guidelines on physical activity. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020.
  • Noetel M. et al. Effect of exercise for depression. BMJ, 2024. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075847.

This is educational material and does not substitute for individual diagnosis, psychotherapy, or medical advice.

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Keywords
physical activitymovementWHOdepressionstrength training

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