Is Weekend Exercise Enough? Experts Weigh In
Is Weekend Exercise Enough? Experts Weigh In
In today's fast-paced world, many people find it challenging to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines, especially in the United Arab Emirates, where work demands are often extremely high. A local resident working for a financial company exemplifies this well: after working 12-18 hour days, there's hardly any time left for anything else. "I often feel like I just come home to eat and sleep," he says. "I don't even have time to shop, let alone exercise regularly. A single weekend workout and a Padel match is all I can fit in. I just hope that's enough to maintain my health."
Many people are in a similar situation, but is weekend exercise really sufficient for maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Let's see what experts have to say.
Balancing Time Constraints and Health
In the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai, most people are incredibly busy. Office work, long commutes, and everyday stress mean that many can only find time for exercise on weekends. This phenomenon is becoming more common, but can it lead to a healthy lifestyle?
According to experts, weekend exercise—referred to as the "weekend warrior" lifestyle—is not a bad alternative at all. A 2022 study showed that those who engage in 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, even if it's all completed in just two days.
Why Is Consistency Important?
However, experts emphasize the importance of daily activity even alongside weekend workouts. Dr. Khalid Ahmed, a leading fitness expert in Dubai, says that long-term health requires more than limiting physical activity to weekends. "Exercise doesn't always have to be intense workouts," he explains. "Even 20-30 minutes of daily walking or a few stretching exercises can make a huge difference."
How to Be More Active During Weekdays
If you also feel like you only have time to exercise on weekends, try to incorporate smaller activities into your weekdays. Here are some tips:
1. Short workouts during breaks at work: A quick 10-15 minute exercise, such as squats, push-ups, or yoga, can help reduce stress and energize your day.
2. Take the stairs: If you work in an office building, use the stairs instead of the elevator.
3. Active commute: If possible, walk or bike to work.
4. Stretching: After long hours at the office, do simple stretching exercises to prevent muscle tension.
5. Standing workstation: Try a standing desk to increase your activity level.
What Do Experts Say About Weekend Exercise?
Weekend workouts, such as the Padel matches chosen by Safa, have positive effects on health. They help maintain muscles and endurance while reducing stress. However, experts say the effectiveness of exercise depends on the intensity of weekend activity and whether it's complemented by lighter exercise during the week.
Conclusion: Balance Above All
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't necessarily require several hours of exercise daily. The key is a combination of consistency, sustaining the level of activity, and intense workouts during the weekends. If you're as busy as Safa, try the above tips to be more active during weekdays. Remember: every step counts, whether it's a walk in the park or a weekend Padel match.
The key is finding a balance sustainable over the long term. Even amidst Dubai's bustling lifestyle, there is an opportunity to maintain our health—it just requires a little planning and dedication.
