A new study published in Circulation suggests that incorporating more briskness into daily chores and activities can lead to significant gains in health and longevity. Researchers analyzed the movements of over 20,000 adults for a week, finding that small amounts of everyday exertion – less than five minutes a day – could reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by up to half.
The study, led by Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis at the University of Sydney, found that light activities such as strolling or gardening had a slight impact on cardiovascular problems. However, moderate activities like taking the stairs instead of the escalator or speed vacuuming resulted in a 50% reduced risk of developing or dying from heart problems.
To achieve these benefits, Stamatakis recommends finding opportunities to increase the intensity of daily chores and activities. This can include tasks such as sprint walking, gardening quickly, or even just taking a faster pace while walking. The key is to make small changes that can add up over time, without requiring actual exercise.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/04/15/get-healthier-without-exercise