Having a hard time squeezing in workouts during the work week? Getting all your exercise in on the weekends offers similar benefits, according to a new study. But the key is you still need to hit the recommended weekly exercise goal to get the same fat-zapping results.
Both the World Health Organization and the U.S. exercise guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combo of both. Those who can cram it all in on the weekend, known as “weekend warriors,” can lose just as much weight as those who workout daily, the study finds.
“The weekend warrior pattern is worth promoting in individuals who cannot meet the recommended frequency in current guidelines,” says study author Lihua Zhang. She says this is good news for office workers and others who sit for large amounts of time during the work day. “Those people are struggling to catch up in their exercise plan in daily life to offset the hazard of a sedentary lifestyle, but have less free time to get to the gym,” she explains, adding that fitting all the fitness in on the weekends gives them an alternative for staying fit.
Source: CNN