While regular exercise has long been linked to better health, new research published in medRxiv suggests that far less effort might be needed to achieve meaningful results.
A team from the University of Sydney tracked thousands of participants over several years to analyze how everyday movements affect longevity.
The participants did not engage in structured exercise, yet their daily physical activity was carefully measured using motion sensors that recorded intensity and duration throughout the day.
The findings indicated that brief bursts of physical effort lasting only a few seconds could have a notable effect on the body.
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The most significant benefits were observed among those who were otherwise sedentary but incorporated short, vigorous movements into their daily routines.
Spontaneous activities
Researchers found that even minimal amounts of physical exertion provided measurable health improvements.
The steepest gains appeared when individuals went from complete inactivity to just a little movement.
These short bursts of intensity help strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve metabolism, and support overall physical resilience.
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The data were collected through accelerometers, which offered a precise record of movement and avoided the bias that often arises in self-reported surveys.
According to lead researcher Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, these natural, high-effort moments function much like high-intensity interval training, except they occur spontaneously during ordinary daily tasks.
The hidden secret in daily life
The most striking discovery was that just about one minute per day of such activity was linked to a 38 percent reduction in the risk of premature death.
Unlike traditional workouts, these spontaneous activities doesn’t require a gym, equipment, or scheduled exercise sessions.
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Instead, it integrates movement into daily routines in a simple, sustainable way.
For those who struggle to stick with structured training, this approach offers a realistic and highly effective alternative for improving long-term health.
This article is based on information from ElConfidencial.com og medRxiv.
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