Article Abstract:
A lifestyle physical activity program appears to be as effective as structured exercise in promoting physical fitness. Researchers randomly assigned 116 men and 119 women who were relatively sedentary to a lifestyle physical activity program or structured exercise. Structured exercise consisted of regular aerobic exercise at a fitness center whereas those in the lifestyle physical activity program were encouraged to incorporate moderate exercise into their daily activities. Both groups lowered their body fat and blood pressure and improved their cardiovascular fitness. People who incorporate moderate exercise into their daily activities may be more likely to get regular exercise.
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Article Abstract:
Breaking exercise up into short 10-minute periods several times a day does not provide greater health benefits than doing the exercise all at once. Researchers measured body weight and exercise compliance in 115 overweight women do did a long bout of exercise or several short bouts each day. Some women in the short-bout group had a treadmill at home. These women actually experienced the greatest weight loss and were more likely to comply with the exercise program. However, there was no overall difference between women in the long-bout group and those in the short-bout group.
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Article Abstract:
Overweight women can benefit from exercise even if they can only do moderate exercise for two hours a week, according to a study of 184 women. The women were divided into four groups: moderate or high-intensity exercise for two hours or less every week or moderate or high-intensity exercise for three hours or more every week. All of the women also followed a low-calorie, low-fat diet. Women in all four groups lost an average of 12 to 18 pounds.
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