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Even minimal exercise very beneficial
Two studies reported in the January 27, 1999 issue of the Journal of
the American Medical Association, found that even a mild amount of activity or exercise
can improve heart and lung function. Routine activities such as raking leaves and climbing
stairs can produce a positive cardiovascular effect.
One study followed 235 men and women over two years. The participants
were divided into groups. One group did vigorous exercise while the other group did only
mild to moderate "lifestyle" exercise. After two years comparison of the two
groups show similar and significant improvement in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and
body fat ratios. The conclusion gives hope and encouragement to those who are unable to do
anything more than mild or moderate exercise. In short, when it come to exercise, some is
better than none. The study did show, however, that the group that did vigorous exercise
burned off calories three times as fast as the moderate exercise group did. |