Tougher exercises could be better than simple walks

Walking may not be enough on its own to produce significant health benefits as compared to a tougher fitness regime, says a new study.

Researchers led by Vicki Harber of University of Alberta, Canada, studied 128 people, some of whom had routine walks while some had tougher exercise regimes, reported the online edition of BBC News.

The researchers assessed the impact on fitness by measuring their blood pressure, and peak oxygen uptake - a measure of lung capacity - for a period of six months.

They compared a 10,000-step exercise programme with a more traditional fitness regime of moderate intensity. Researchers found improvements in fitness levels were significantly higher in the second group but added that the 10,000-step programme did help to get people motivated - and was an "excellent way to start taking exercise"

"But to increase the effectiveness, one must add some intensity or 'huff and puff' to their exercise. Across your day, while you are achieving those 10,000 steps, take 200-400 of them at a brisker pace," said Harber.

The researcher added: "You've got to do more than light exercise and move towards the inclusion of regular moderate activity, and don't be shy to interject an occasional period of time at the vigorous level."

Stuart Biddle, an expert in exercise science at the University of Loughborough, Britain, said it was possible that the current guidelines on how much exercise to take were set too low.

Biddle said there was no doubt that vigorous exercise was the way to get fit, but volume rather than intensity might be more useful in tackling issues such as obesity.