When it comes to exercise, there are two schools of thought: Mild exercise is better than nothing, and intense exercise is necessary for lasting health benefits. But what is the surprising truth? Is one type of exercise better than the other?.

The Benefits of Mild Exercise

While it may not be as flashy as intense exercise, there are still many benefits to mild exercise. For starters, it’s easier to stick with.

Someone who is just starting an exercise routine will likely find it easier to commit to a 20-minute walk around the block every day than to commit to an hour of intense workouts at the gym. Mild exercise is also easier on the body. It’s less likely to cause injury or soreness, which means it can be done more consistently over time. Some of the benefits of mild exercise include:.

Lowered Risk of Chronic Disease

Even low levels of activity can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Mild exercise can also help boost the immune system, which can help reduce the risk of illness and disease.

Improved Mood and Energy

Mild exercise can help improve mood and energy levels by boosting the production of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.

Increased Flexibility and Mobility

Regular mild exercise like stretching, yoga, or Pilates can help increase flexibility and mobility, which can improve overall quality of life.

Better flexibility can make everyday tasks like bending down to pick something up or reaching for something on a high shelf easier and more comfortable.

The Benefits of Intense Exercise

While it may be harder to stick with, intense exercise can yield some pretty impressive results. For starters, it burns more calories and fat than mild exercise does.

It can also help build muscle mass, which can improve overall metabolism and athletic ability. Some of the benefits of intense exercise include:.

Increased Cardiovascular Health

Intense exercise like running, cycling, or HIIT (high intensity interval training) can significantly improve cardiovascular health. It can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall endurance.

More Efficient Workouts

If you’re short on time, intense exercise can be a great way to get in a full-body workout in a shorter amount of time. With high intensity interval training, for example, you can get in a challenging workout in as little as 20 minutes.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Intense exercise can also improve insulin sensitivity, which can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also help manage the symptoms of existing diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions.

The Surprising Truth

So which type of exercise is better, mild or intense? The surprising reality is that both have their place in a well-rounded exercise routine.

While mild exercise is easier to stick with and gentler on the body, intense exercise can help yield impressive results and improve overall cardiovascular health. Both types of exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve mood and energy levels, and increase flexibility and mobility.

The key is to find a balance that works for you. If you’re just starting out, consider starting with mild exercise like walking or yoga. As you start to build endurance and stamina, you can incorporate more intense exercise into your routine.

Remember, the most important thing is to find an activity you enjoy and can stick with over the long haul.