Exercise Twice a Week Enough To Avoid Heart Disease.

Middle-aged women who work up a sweat a couple of times a week will find they are doing enough to protect their health  because working out more has little added benefit.

Researchers found that the physically active had lower risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots than women who refrained from any exercise.

But more frequent physical activity did not result in further cuts in risk, said findings in the journal Circulation.

The study showed women who performed strenuous physical activity  enough to cause sweating or a faster heartbeat  every three or four days were about 20 per cent less likely to develop health complications.

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Exercise associated with reduced risk included walking, gardening, and cycling.

Inactive middle-aged women should try to do some activity regularly.

“However, to prevent heart disease, stroke and blood clots, women don’t need to do very frequent activity as this seems to provide little additional benefit.”

How Regular One Minute Walks Are Huge Boost To Health.

Housework and gardening chores can also add years to your life.

Inactive people who take up low-intensity activities for a minute at a time can cut blood pressure and cholesterol while boosting their well-being.

The breakthrough comes after tests showed it is better to keep moving throughout the day rather than undertake an intense burst of exercise followed by rest.

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The results from a study of more than 1,000 elderly people are the clearest sign yet that exercise taken little and often, and a healthy diet, is the key to a long and healthy life.

Lead researcher Dr Thomas Buford, of the University of Florida Institute on Ageing, found that elderly people with limited mobility can lower their risk of heart attack and coronary death by a minute of physical activity.

Dr Buford said: “In the past, much of the emphasis was placed on engaging in structured physical exercise.

“It is becoming increasingly evident, however, that encouraging individuals to just reduce the amount of time they spend being sedentary may have important cardiovascular benefits.”

Experts say people should do 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week.