Researchers have zeroed in on the benefits of exercise on a cellular level. A new study describes how high-intensity interval training (HIIT), such as biking and walking, helps cells make more proteins for their energy-producing mitochondria and their protein-building ribosomes. The upkeep of mitochondria and ribosomes effectively slows down aging at the cellular level. The […]
Tag: exercise
The next miracle cure – exercise
Physical activity and specific exercises have been shown to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of many chronic health conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However a new review shows these exercises are being under-prescribed by physicians. The authors suggest this is due to a lack of […]
Walking or biking to work may help with weight loss
Switching from driving to work to walking, cycling, or taking public transit may help commuters lose weight according to an observational study. By analyzing responses to the British Household Panel Survey from 2004-2007, researchers have found making the switch results in an average weight loss of one kg. The longer the commute the stronger the associated […]
Exercise associated with fewer depressive symptoms
Regular exercise is associated with a reduction in the odds of depressive symptoms by up to 19 per cent, according to estimates in a new study. Researchers used data from the 1958 British Birth Cohort, which tracked about 11,000 people in the UK who were all born in the same week in 1958 through their lives. […]
Taking extra precaution before recommending physical activity to children
New recommendations from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology state that physicians should promote physical activity to children, but not before checking whether the child has underlying medical conditions or is sedentary. Researchers maintain that children should exercise for at least 60 minutes, 3 times a week. The new guidelines advise checking for previous medical […]
Exercise for diabetes: intensity matters
The positive effect of exercise on diabetes is well established, but new research suggests that alternating between high-intensity and low-intensity exercise is required for best results. Researchers examined control of blood sugar levels in three groups; one that did not exercise, one that did continuous low-intensity exercise, and one that alternated between high and low […]
Why do we swing our arms while running?
Swinging our arms while running not only helps balance forces that would otherwise cause us to wobble, it also saves energy, according to a new study. By measuring rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, researchers have shown that swinging your arms while running decreases the net metabolic power demand. Running with hands held […]
Are you working out hard enough?
A new study shows that most people underestimate what qualifies as “moderate” or “vigorous” activity. The survey asked 129 adults aged 18 to 64 to jog on a treadmill at speed that corresponded to their impressions of “light,” “moderate,” or “vigorous” intensity. They then compared their heart rates to physical activity guidelines produced by Health […]
