We all live busy lives, juggling work, family and personal commitments. But when we are short on time, we often neglect one of the most important aspects of our lives – our health.

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health, but with so much on our plates, it can be challenging to fit in that daily workout.

Many of us aim for the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or at least 30 minutes a day. But what happens when we fall short of that target?.

The Risks of Not Exercising Enough

Leading a sedentary lifestyle, or not getting enough exercise can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as:.

Obesity
Diabetes
Heart disease
Cancer

But how much exercise do we really need to stay healthy?.

How Much Exercise Do We Need?

The World Health Organization recommends that adults aged 18-64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise.

Additionally, muscle-strengthening activities should be conducted at least two days per week.

But recent studies suggest that even small reductions in physical activity can have a profound impact on our health.

The Study

A recent study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open found that reducing physical activity by just one hour per week can increase the risk of chronic diseases.

The study analyzed data from over 22,000 participants, aged 45 and older, who had no history of chronic diseases.

Over a period of two years, researchers tracked the participants’ amount of physical activity, as well as any development of chronic diseases.

The Findings

The study found that for every hour reduction in exercise per week, the participants had an increased chance of developing the following chronic diseases:.

Heart disease – 16% increased risk
Stroke – 16% increased risk
Diabetes – 12% increased risk
Colon cancer – 8% increased risk

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of consistent physical activity for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Even small reductions in physical activity can have significant health consequences.

If you are struggling to fit in the recommended amount of exercise, try breaking it down into smaller chunks throughout the day. Take a short walk during your lunch break, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Any activity is better than none.

Remember, your health is important, and regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.