A One-Minute Exercise Session Is Good for the Heart

No time to work out? While intentional exercise has many benefits, it’s also beneficial to incorporate physical activity wherever and however you can, even for just a minute. A 2017 research study involving 100,000 people found that even one minute of physical activity makes a difference. Researchers followed up with participants seven to nine years later and found that short bursts of cardiac activity are connected to longevity. Even among non-exercisers, fitness trackers found that people engage in short bursts of “lifestyle activity” throughout the day, such as going up and down the stairs, gardening, or walking to the store. This type of activity, even for as little as a minute, has a significant impact on long-term heart health and longevity. Studies have shown that doing three to four bouts of one-minute exercise per day can reduce the risk of premature death and deaths related to cardiovascular disease. Repeated short bursts of physical activity can also improve cardiorespiratory fitness, which is associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality. Any type of unstructured activity that increases cardiovascular circulation and is enjoyable can be performed as a short burst activity, such as dancing or bodyweight exercises. Consider adding activities like bodyweight squats, sit to stand with arm reaches, and dancing to your daily routine. All of these activities can be done in just one minute and provide significant health benefits.