Two Minute Walk can Boost Health and Life: Study

Including a two-minute walk during every waking hour can help cut risk of dying by 33 percent.

A new study which makes the claim explored alternatives to the prescribed 2.5 hours a week of moderate physical exercise as researchers felt that many people may not indulge in exercise. Their endeavor led to the finding that walking for just two minutes every hour resulted in burning 400 kilo calories every week and added to overall well-being.

"Exercise is great, but the reality is that the practical amount of vigorous exercise that can be achieved is limited. Our study suggests that even small changes can have a big impact," said senior author Tom Greene.

Sedentary lifestyle is now conclusively seen as the leading cause for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. With growing rates of obesity, studies have shown that many Americans do not meet recommendations set for minimum physical activity.

The current study's researchers at University of Utah used data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to compared benefits from longer duration of low intensity like standing and light intensity like strolling. They found that light intensity activities benefited, while low intensity activities did not.

Researchers however have said that besides their recommendations, people should strive to achieve the 2.5 hours per week of moderate exercise as it strengthens important muscles including the heart.

"Based on these results we would recommend adding two minutes of walking each hour in combination with normal activities, which should include 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week," said study's lead author Srinivasan Beddhu.