Can Weekend Workouts Boost Brain Health? A New Study Suggests So
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
A recent study has revealed that the "weekend warrior" approach to exercise—where individuals squeeze most of their physical activity into one or two days—might offer significant brain health benefits. Conducted by researchers from China, the study published in Nature Aging, analyzed data from more than 75,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale health research initiative tracking the well-being of about half a million people in the United Kingdom.
The study focused on participants' physical activity patterns, which were categorized into three groups: inactive, regularly active, and weekend warriors. The "inactive" group consisted of individuals who did not meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. The "regularly active" participants met these guidelines by spreading their exercise throughout the week, while "weekend warriors" accumulated more than half of their weekly activity over just one or two days.
Over a median follow-up period of 8.4 years, the researchers tracked the onset of neurological diseases such as dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as psychological disorders like depression and anxiety. The study found that weekend warriors enjoyed significantly reduced risks of these conditions compared to inactive individuals. Specifically, weekend warriors had a 26% lower risk of developing dementia, a 21% lower risk of stroke, and a 45% lower risk of Parkinson's disease. The risk reductions for depression and anxiety were 40% and 37%, respectively. Interestingly, these benefits were comparable to those observed in the regularly active group.
The protective effects against depression and anxiety were consistent across all age groups, though the benefits for reducing the risks of dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease were particularly pronounced in participants over 65. This underscores the importance of physical activity for older adults, who are at higher risk for these conditions.
What’s more, the study suggests that it doesn’t matter which days you choose for your exercise, as long as you meet the MVPA guidelines. Whether through short bursts of daily activity like stair climbing or longer sessions of running or gym workouts, the health benefits are clear. The findings align with growing research indicating that any form of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can contribute to better brain health, regardless of how it’s accumulated.
However, it's important to note some limitations. While the researchers accounted for various lifestyle and health factors, other unmeasured factors could have influenced the results. Additionally, the study did not assess how changes in physical activity patterns over time might impact brain health.
Despite these caveats, the study adds to the substantial evidence supporting the brain and overall health benefits of regular physical activity. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or prefer to spread your exercise throughout the week, the key takeaway is clear: consistent physical activity, in any form, is beneficial for your brain health.
Elevate Your Expertise: Tune in to Our YouTube Channel for Exclusive Podcasts with fitness and wellness Industry Titans and Game-Changers
