As a keep-fit enthusiast, Perky was intrigued by a recent television news item which suggested that putting all eggs in one basket when it comes to exercise is, perhaps, not the best course of action. These thoughts are based on a research study conducted in the United States by scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health.
The study concerned around 110,000 adults who were followed over a 30-year period. At the start of the research, participants were drawn from two long-running health studies which involved about 70,000 female nurses aged 30–55, and roughly 40,000 male health professionals aged 40–75.
They regularly completed questionnaires every two years, reporting the types and amounts of physical activity they performed. Researchers then tracked health outcomes and deaths over time to examine links between exercise habits and longevity.
The study found that people who took part in a wide variety of physical activities each week were less likely to die during the 30-year follow-up period than those who focused on just one type of exercise. In fact, it was calculated that those with the greatest exercise variety had a 19% lower risk of death overall.
Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that people should not rely on just one type of exercise. They recommended, instead, maintaining a high overall level of physical activity while also diversifying the kinds of exercise performed each week.
Combining activities with complementary health benefits were advised. This could be, for example, aerobic exercises (like walking, running or cycling) for heart and lung health, together with resistance or strength training (like weightlifting or yoga) for muscle and bone strength.
A range of physical fitness activities is key. The researchers emphasised that doing a range of personally enjoyable activities can improve both physical and mental wellbeing and may offer greater protection against early death than focusing on a single sport alone.
It is now Perky’s intention to run, lift, stretch, swim and possibly attempt yoga, providing survival can be ensured.