Frequently asked questions
Can you fit a week's exercise into just one or two days?▼
Yes, according to recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, concentrating recommended weekly physical activity into one or two days can provide similar life-extending health benefits as spreading exercise throughout the week, as long as duration and intensity guidelines are met.
What are the health benefits of being a weekend warrior?▼
Weekend warriors who meet physical activity guidelines in just one or two sessions per week achieve cardiovascular and health benefits compared to sedentary individuals. However, the study showed similar mortality risks between weekend warriors and regular exercisers when activity levels were equal.
How many minutes of exercise per week do health organizations recommend?▼
Both the US Department of Health and the World Health Organization recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week for adults.
What are the risks of the weekend warrior exercise pattern?▼
Research suggests weekend warriors may have a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries and strain because they remain sedentary during the week then exercise intensely on weekends. This pattern may be risky for beginners starting an exercise routine.
Does exercise distribution throughout the week matter for mortality outcomes?▼
The study found that when physical activity levels are equal, whether exercise is spread across multiple days or concentrated into fewer days did not significantly affect mortality outcomes for all-cause, cardiovascular, or cancer-related deaths.

