Daily chores and brisk everyday movements could benefit heart health just as much as formal exercise, according to new research from the University of Sydney.
Published Monday in the journal Circulation, the study observed over 24,000 adults who did not engage in structured workouts. It found that moderate to vigorous incidental physical activity—such as fast-paced housework, brisk walking, or carrying groceries—was strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Using activity trackers, researchers monitored participants over a week.
Those who regularly engaged in more intense everyday movements experienced fewer heart-related issues, strokes, and premature deaths.
Diet, exercise combined best for tackling belly fat in kids: study
In contrast, light-intensity activity showed little impact on heart health.
The study also noted that just one minute of vigorous activity offered similar cardiovascular benefits to about three to three-and-a-half minutes of moderate activity.
Researchers said this approach may offer a practical alternative for people who struggle with or avoid regular fitness routines, highlighting the value of simply moving more vigorously during day-to-day tasks.