(ANN/THE STAR) – Despite the well-established benefits of regular exercise, many individuals struggle to find time for physical activity during the week. This often leads to attempts to “make up for it” on weekends, a practice known as being a “weekend warrior.” Recent research from China suggests that this approach is not only acceptable but potentially beneficial.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five times a week, or 25 minutes of vigorous exercise three times a week. However, balancing work commitments, household chores, and personal obligations can make it challenging to adhere to these guidelines during the weekdays. As a result, some individuals opt to concentrate their exercise on weekends.
To investigate the effectiveness of this strategy, researchers analysed data from the extensive UK Biobank cohort over an eight-year period, tracking the physical activity patterns of more than 75,000 participants. They categorised individuals into three groups:
Regularly Active: Engaging in more than 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise weekly.
Weekend Warriors: Meeting exercise guidelines by completing over 50 per cent of their weekly physical activity on one or two days, typically Saturday and/or Sunday.
Inactive: Individuals who do not engage in regular physical activity.
Published in the journal Nature Aging and reported by The Conversation, the study revealed that weekend warriors experienced significant health benefits compared to inactive individuals. They were 26 per cent less likely to develop dementia, 21 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke, and 45 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, they had a 40 per cent lower risk of depression and a 37 per cent reduced risk of anxiety, comparable to those who maintained consistent activity throughout the week.
Interestingly, while most weekend warriors exercised primarily on Saturdays and Sundays, some managed to meet the WHO recommendations at other times during the week. These individuals also reported similar physical and mental health benefits, reinforcing the notion that any form of physical activity is advantageous, even if concentrated over just one or two days.
However, it is important to acknowledge the study’s limitations. The researchers could not fully account for changes in exercise habits over time or entirely eliminate the influence of other lifestyle factors. Nevertheless, this research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the positive effects of exercise.
Ultimately, whether you prefer daily workouts or are more inclined to be a weekend warrior, the key takeaway is to engage in regular physical activity. Staying active is essential for maintaining health and combating the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
