Only work out on the weekends? It's still good for you

In today's fast-paced world, finding time for regular exercise can be a challenge. Many people struggle to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Enter the "weekend warrior" – individuals who compress their weekly exercise into one or two days, often on weekends. But is this approach to fitness effective? Recent research suggests that it might be just as beneficial as spreading workouts throughout the week.

The Science Behind Weekend Workouts

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Aging has shed new light on the effectiveness of concentrated exercise routines. Researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database, tracking the exercise habits and health outcomes of over 75,000 participants over an eight-year period.

The study categorized participants into three groups:

Regularly active: Those who exercised for more than 150 minutes throughout the week

Weekend warriors: Individuals who met the exercise guidelines by doing more than 50% of their activity on one or two days

Inactive: Those who did not meet the recommended exercise guidelines

The results were surprising and encouraging for those who struggle to find time for daily workouts.

Health Benefits for Weekend Warriors

The study revealed that weekend warriors experienced significant health benefits compared to inactive individuals. Here are some of the key findings:

• 26% lower risk of developing dementia
• 21% reduced risk of stroke
• 45% decreased likelihood of Parkinson's disease
• 40% lower risk of depression
• 37% reduced risk of anxiety

Remarkably, these health benefits were comparable to those observed in regularly active individuals who spread their exercise throughout the week.

Dr. Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor of physical activity and health at the University of Sydney, commented on the findings: "This is empowering news for people who may not have the time or inclination to exercise daily. It suggests that the total volume of exercise is more important than the pattern or frequency".

Cardiovascular Health and Beyond

The benefits of weekend warrior workouts extend beyond mental health and neurological conditions. Previous studies have shown that this exercise pattern can also improve cardiovascular health.

A 2017 study led by Gary O'Donovan, a physical activity researcher at Loughborough University, found that both weekend warriors and regular exercisers had a lower mortality risk from cancer and cardiovascular diseases compared to sedentary individuals.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist, explains the mechanisms behind these benefits: "Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular fitness by improving peripheral circulation and vascular tone, controlling comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol levels, and help increase vagal tone".

The Importance of Total Exercise Volume

The key takeaway from this research is that the total amount of physical activity matters more than how it's distributed throughout the week. Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and lead author of a similar study, emphasizes this point: "The bottom line is that it's really the total volume of physical activity, rather than the pattern, that matters".

This finding is particularly encouraging for those with busy schedules who find it challenging to exercise during the workweek. It suggests that compressing workouts into the weekend can still provide substantial health benefits.

Practical Implications for Busy Individuals

For those struggling to meet daily exercise recommendations, the weekend warrior approach offers a viable alternative. Here are some tips for making the most of your weekend workouts:

Choose enjoyable activities: Opt for exercises you like, such as hiking, cycling, or team sports, to make your weekend workouts more appealing.

Mix intensity levels: Incorporate both moderate and vigorous activities to maximize health benefits.

Gradually increase duration: If you're new to exercise, start with shorter sessions and gradually work up to the recommended 150 minutes per week.

Stay consistent: While weekend workouts are beneficial, aim for consistency week after week.

Listen to your body: Be mindful of overexertion, especially if you're not used to intense exercise.

The Broader Context of Physical Activity

While the weekend warrior approach is promising, it's essential to remember that any increase in physical activity can be beneficial. Dr. Jennifer Dunphy, a public health expert, notes: "Exercise expends calories and increases your overall metabolic rate so you are less likely to develop obesity. This reduces your risk of developing related conditions, like diabetes".

Moreover, regular movement throughout the week, even if it doesn't meet the intensity of weekend workouts, can have additional benefits. Dr. Keith Diaz, an exercise physiologist at Columbia University, found that "a five-minute light walk every half-hour offset many of the harms from sitting".

A Word of Caution

While the weekend warrior approach shows promise, it's important to consider individual circumstances. Dr. Leandro Rezende, a preventive medicine specialist, advises: "For those already meeting these guidelines, increasing the frequency could help boost the total volume of physical activity and provide additional health benefits".

Additionally, individuals new to exercise or with existing health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before dramatically increasing their physical activity levels.

The research on weekend warriors offers a refreshing perspective on exercise and health. It suggests that the rigid adherence to daily workout routines may not be necessary to reap significant health benefits. This flexibility in approach could encourage more people to engage in regular physical activity, knowing that even concentrated efforts can make a substantial difference.

Regardless of whether you choose to work out on a daily basis or are more of a 'weekend warrior' the most essential thing is to engage in physical activity on a consistent occurrence. Staying active is the most effective approach to maintain a healthy body and combat the numerous negative impacts that inactive lifestyles have on one's health.

In a world where time is often at a premium, the weekend warrior approach to fitness provides a practical solution for many. It empowers individuals to take control of their health, even when faced with busy schedules and competing priorities. So, if you find yourself only able to exercise on weekends, take heart – you're still doing your body and mind a world of good.