The Power of 20-25 Minutes: Exercise to Prevent Death Risk from Sitting

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that engaging in just 20 to 25 minutes of physical activity per day can counteract the increased risk of death associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Regardless of the amount of time spent sitting, higher levels of daily physical activity were linked to a lower risk of death. The study, based on data from the US, Sweden, and Norway, found that sitting for more than 12 hours a day increased the risk of death by 38%, but this risk was eliminated with just 22 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity per day. The findings recommend exercising for at least 20 to 25 minutes a day to receive similar benefits.