According to new research you don’t have to pound out 10-mile runs five days a week to feel energized. In fact, findings from a resent study conducted at the University of Georgia suggest that low-intensity exercise, such as walking, can reduce fatigue as well as—if not better than—moderate-intensity physical activities.
In the study 36 young adults who were fatigued but otherwise healthy participated either in no exercise, low-intensity exercise, or moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for six weeks. Everyone who participated in one of the physical activity groups reported less fatigue, regardless of the level of exercise. What was most surprising, however, was that the low-intensity group had the greatest improvement, with fatigue scores coming in 65 percent lower after six weeks.
“There is growing evidence that regular exercise is a promising intervention for combating feelings of low energy and fatigue,” says study co-author Patrick J. O’Connor, PhD, a professor at the University of Georgia, Department of Kinesiology. “The one thing people can do to get more energy is to walk more. All ages would likely benefit.”
