Once a Week! You only NEED to Exercise Once a Week?

[Jaleh Neshat]

Now, wait a minute that can’t be true! Actually it is – quality over quantity. A recent Canadian study showed that women who engaged in a weekly strength training program are more likely to show improvement in their physical and mental abilities than those who engaged in a bi-weekly program.

3 Training Groups for the Women

We are talking about strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, weight machines and free-form exercises. A 12-month study was done with 155 women who were randomly divided into three groups:

1 – weekly

2 – bi-weekly

3 – twice a week without weightlifting

Strength Training Groups showed Cognitive Ability Increase

The strength training groups demonstrated increase in cognitive ability at the end of the 12 month study. This included decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Similar tests a year later identified that members of the weekly strength training group demonstrated long-term mental and physical benefits while those in the bi-weekly group did not.

Training that is Easier to Keep Up Yields better Results

Author Teresa Liu-Ambrose suggests that the reason behind the difference is that weekly participants had an easier time keeping up the exercise program than their bi-weekly counterparts. She notes that it is more important to stick with an exercise routine for a longer period than to exercise more frequently for a shorter period.

How much Exercise will do it for You?

If you are anything like these study participants, you might have a choice here worthy of consideration. Would you be more likely to continue for years if you just went to your gym once a week and enjoyed a lengthy workout? Is it more difficult to get yourself motivated several times a week over the long term? What works for you.

If the goal includes developing your mind along with your muscles, maybe it is worth considering these results. Choose whatever will work for you consistently, and keep it up!

The information is from an article by Home Care Assistance

 

Jaleh Neshat, Home Care Assistance, Raleigh, NC, where the focus is on The Balanced Care Method™ for in home care in North Carolina. Read more how-to information on home health care on the website.

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Good article, Jaleh. It reminds me that I need to get my butt in gear. Thanks for the reminder.

[David DiGirolamo: Visual Comm.]

Yeah! This is good news for we who sit at a computer 40+ hours a week. :o)

[Debbie orol]

any and all exercise and movement is important. Even just taking a break and standing rather than sitting every hour or so is helpful to our bodies and minds!

[Jaleh Neshat]

Diogenes- I am sure you will take this advice to heart.
David- Like quite a few of the 919ers, I also have to sit at a desk for long periods of time. Hope this reminder is a help.
Debbie- Taking that break is so important. Thanks for adding.