Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Turns Out, Exercise Might Be the Most Underrated Cancer Drug But Could It Do More Harm Than Good?

As <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> care becomes increasingly scientific, there is one variable that remains an effective force in enhancing patient results: exercise. Though physical activity has been well established to prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease for decades, recent studies add a fascinating page to the narrative—exercise can also lower cancer recurrence and improve survival in patients with cancer.

A randomized controlled trial, reported recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, has given the strongest evidence to date that formal exercise not only promotes general well-being but also is a key factor in recovery from cancer. Investigators tracked close to 900 patients from 55 cancer centers in six countries who had all been treated for stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer.

Members were divided into two groups: one was given routine health education in terms of nutrition and exercise, while the second group participated in a formal exercise program under expert health coaches. The disparity in results between the two groups was dramatic.

With a median follow-up of eight years, the patients in the structured exercise group had 28% and 37% reduced risk of cancer relapse and death, respectively. Importantly, participants in this group also showed significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, as assessed by six-minute walk distance and VO2 max, a measure of oxygen consumption during exercise.

This is the first randomized trial to confirm that exercise after cancer treatment significantly lowers the risk of recurrence and death," she said. "It validates what we’ve long suspected: movement is medicine, especially for cancer survivors.

Colon cancer, for example, recurs in approximately 30% of patients despite surgery and chemotherapy. Hitherto, common practice had mainly concentrated on medical interventions, relegating lifestyle changes to the sidelines. This research flips that approach on its head.

<h2>How Exercise Facilitates Cancer Recovery?</h2>

Exercise benefits for cancer patients go far beyond physical conditioning. Here's how:

Improved Immune Function: Sustained physical exercise enhances the immune system, allowing the body to more effectively recognize and destroy cancerous cells.

Hormonal Control: Exercise maintains hormones such as insulin and estrogen in balance, hormones which have a potential to develop and drive some cancers.

Inflammation Decreased: Long-term inflammation is an established cause of cancer development, and exercise reduces inflammation levels within the body.

Better Treatment Tolerance: Patients who stay physically active tend to cope better with chemotherapy and other treatments, with fewer side effects. 

Mental Health Advantages: Exercise helps in reducing anxiety, depression, and fatigue—emotional and physical issues that are common among cancer patients. 

<h2>Can Personalised Programs Make the Difference?</h2>

The supervised exercise program implemented in the trial was not one size fits all. It incorporated sessions that were supervised and regular consultation with a health coach. The coaching aspect enabled the program to be adapted to patient-specific needs and fitness levels.

"Having someone to guide and motivate makes a huge difference, especially for individuals recovering from something as taxing as cancer treatment," said Dr. Wen. "We’re not asking patients to run marathons, but even moderate exercise, when structured and consistent, can yield profound results."

This study lends impetus to the increasing trend that promotes lifestyle interventions in mainstream cancer treatment. A number of healthcare firms and wellness businesses are already using these results in their services. Cerula Care and Complement 1 are among the platforms that provide one-to-one coaching on exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness.

On the clinical side, firms such as Faeth Therapeutics are pushing it even further by adding pharmaceutical therapy to targeted nutrition designed to target cancer metabolism. Preliminary results indicate that these synergistic strategies might offer even better recurrence protection.

Another key area that the research brings to light is that of social support. Group fitness activity or support from coaches and peers improves compliance with treatment regimens and emotional well-being. With the psychological impact of cancer, mental health ought to be brought to the fore as part of the cure.

<h2>Is This A New Prescription for Patients?</h2>

So, what can patients learn from this study? First, discuss with your oncologist or primary care physician the inclusion of a <span>structured exercise program</span> in your recovery regimen. The program does not have to be extremely rigorous; professionalism and consistency are more important than intensity.

Second, don't wait until after treatment. Preparing for cancer treatment and even engaging in some exercise during treatment can help deliver cumulative benefits that enhance quality and life duration.

Greatly, keep in mind that this is only colon cancer. Researchers think that the benefits of formal exercise may be applied to many other kinds of cancer. Future research is already ongoing to investigate these larger applications.

The message is simple: exercise is not optional or merely "good advice." It's an integral part of cancer care, something that should be incorporated into treatment plans from the moment of diagnosis right through remission.

As more studies highlight the cancer-fighting power of movement, it's time for patients and healthcare professionals alike to put physical activity front and center as a major weapon against cancer. The future of oncology is not solely in the realm of medicine—it's in movement, as well.

<h2>Can Exercise Possibly Do More Harm Than Good for Cancer Patients?</h2>

Although formal exercise has undeniable benefits for many cancer survivors, it's not a solution for all. For patients receiving high-intensity treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, overexerting the body—particularly without medical supervision—can have adverse effects. Excessive strain can cause fatigue, immune compromise, or injury that might postpone treatment or compromise recovery. For patients with metastases to bone, some activities will enhance the risk of fracture. Cardiovascular or pulmonary restriction resulting from cancer or cancer treatment also implies that exercise will need to be prescribed with extreme caution.

Exercise is not automatically bad for you, but bad or unmonitored exercise can be. That is why interventions like the one presented in the recent trial matched patients with health coaches and tracked progress. It's not about hammering the gym—it's about safe and incremental movement tailored to health status.

In short, exercise is potent medicine, but as with any treatment, the dose and delivery are everything. Always get your care team's approval before beginning or intensifying a routine. Correctly done, the rewards far surpass the risks.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cancer

exercise and cancer

colon cancer survival

cancer recurrence prevention

physical activity benefits

cancer treatment lifestyle

cancer remission tips

structured exercise program

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As cancer care becomes increasingly scientific, there is one variable that remains an effective force in enhancing patient results: exercise. Though physical activity has been well established to prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease for decades, recent studies add a fascinating page to the narrative—exercise can also lower cancer recurrence and improve survival in patients with cancer.A randomized controlled trial, reported recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, has given the strongest evidence to date that formal exercise not only promotes general well-being but also is a key factor in recovery from cancer. Investigators tracked close to 900 patients from 55 cancer centers in six countries who had all been treated for stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer.Members were divided into two groups: one was given routine health education in terms of nutrition and exercise, while the second group participated in a formal exercise program under expert health coaches. The disparity in results between the two groups was dramatic.With a median follow-up of eight years, the patients in the structured exercise group had 28% and 37% reduced risk of cancer relapse and death, respectively. Importantly, participants in this group also showed significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, as assessed by six-minute walk distance and VO2 max, a measure of oxygen consumption during exercise.This is the first randomized trial to confirm that exercise after cancer treatment significantly lowers the risk of recurrence and death," she said. "It validates what we’ve long suspected: movement is medicine, especially for cancer survivors.Colon cancer, for example, recurs in approximately 30% of patients despite surgery and chemotherapy. Hitherto, common practice had mainly concentrated on medical interventions, relegating lifestyle changes to the sidelines. This research flips that approach on its head.How Exercise Facilitates Cancer Recovery?Exercise benefits for cancer patients go far beyond physical conditioning. Here's how:Improved Immune Function: Sustained physical exercise enhances the immune system, allowing the body to more effectively recognize and destroy cancerous cells.Hormonal Control: Exercise maintains hormones such as insulin and estrogen in balance, hormones which have a potential to develop and drive some cancers.Inflammation Decreased: Long-term inflammation is an established cause of cancer development, and exercise reduces inflammation levels within the body.Better Treatment Tolerance: Patients who stay physically active tend to cope better with chemotherapy and other treatments, with fewer side effects. Mental Health Advantages: Exercise helps in reducing anxiety, depression, and fatigue—emotional and physical issues that are common among cancer patients. Can Personalised Programs Make the Difference?The supervised exercise program implemented in the trial was not one size fits all. It incorporated sessions that were supervised and regular consultation with a health coach. The coaching aspect enabled the program to be adapted to patient-specific needs and fitness levels."Having someone to guide and motivate makes a huge difference, especially for individuals recovering from something as taxing as cancer treatment," said Dr. Wen. "We’re not asking patients to run marathons, but even moderate exercise, when structured and consistent, can yield profound results."This study lends impetus to the increasing trend that promotes lifestyle interventions in mainstream cancer treatment. A number of healthcare firms and wellness businesses are already using these results in their services. Cerula Care and Complement 1 are among the platforms that provide one-to-one coaching on exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness.On the clinical side, firms such as Faeth Therapeutics are pushing it even further by adding pharmaceutical therapy to targeted nutrition designed to target cancer metabolism. Preliminary results indicate that these synergistic strategies might offer even better recurrence protection.Another key area that the research brings to light is that of social support. Group fitness activity or support from coaches and peers improves compliance with treatment regimens and emotional well-being. With the psychological impact of cancer, mental health ought to be brought to the fore as part of the cure.Is This A New Prescription for Patients?So, what can patients learn from this study? First, discuss with your oncologist or primary care physician the inclusion of a structured exercise program in your recovery regimen. The program does not have to be extremely rigorous; professionalism and consistency are more important than intensity.Second, don't wait until after treatment. Preparing for cancer treatment and even engaging in some exercise during treatment can help deliver cumulative benefits that enhance quality and life duration.Greatly, keep in mind that this is only colon cancer. Researchers think that the benefits of formal exercise may be applied to many other kinds of cancer. Future research is already ongoing to investigate these larger applications.The message is simple: exercise is not optional or merely "good advice." It's an integral part of cancer care, something that should be incorporated into treatment plans from the moment of diagnosis right through remission.As more studies highlight the cancer-fighting power of movement, it's time for patients and healthcare professionals alike to put physical activity front and center as a major weapon against cancer. The future of oncology is not solely in the realm of medicine—it's in movement, as well.Can Exercise Possibly Do More Harm Than Good for Cancer Patients?Although formal exercise has undeniable benefits for many cancer survivors, it's not a solution for all. For patients receiving high-intensity treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, overexerting the body—particularly without medical supervision—can have adverse effects. Excessive strain can cause fatigue, immune compromise, or injury that might postpone treatment or compromise recovery. For patients with metastases to bone, some activities will enhance the risk of fracture. Cardiovascular or pulmonary restriction resulting from cancer or cancer treatment also implies that exercise will need to be prescribed with extreme caution.Exercise is not automatically bad for you, but bad or unmonitored exercise can be. That is why interventions like the one presented in the recent trial matched patients with health coaches and tracked progress. It's not about hammering the gym—it's about safe and incremental movement tailored to health status.In short, exercise is potent medicine, but as with any treatment, the dose and delivery are everything. Always get your care team's approval before beginning or intensifying a routine. Correctly done, the rewards far surpass the risks.

turns out, exercise might be the most underrated cancer drug but could it do more harm than good?

Aarushi Bhadury

Exercising At This Time Of The Day Not Only Helps Your Heart, But Also Strengthens Your Lungs

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Exercising is a crucial part of keeping ourselves healthy. Whether it is walking, going to the gym or even working out at the weekends, it is very important for your body. Everybody has their own preferences regarding exercising, while some people find it much better to exercise early, others go for evening exercises. 

Research published in the Medicine &amp; Science in Sports &amp; Exercise journal suggests that <span>exercising in the morning</span> could be especially good for the heart and lungs of older adults. The study also found that simply having a regular exercise routine can bring health benefits. Experts explained that getting physical activity earlier, consistently, and more often during the day might help you stay fit as you get older. 

To understand how the time we exercise affects our overall fitness and health, scientists looked at health information from 799 older adults (average age 76). Participants wore devices on their wrists for seven days to track their activity. They also underwent tests to check their heart and lung health and had regular doctor visits. Here's what researchers discovered: 

<ul><li>Being most active in the morning (what they called "peak morning activity") was linked to better heart and lung fitness and more efficient walking (meaning the body uses energy better while walking).</li><li>Exercising at the same time each day consistently was connected to better health outcomes.</li><li>People who had regular patterns of rest and activity throughout the day showed better heart and lung fitness and walking efficiency.</li></ul>

<h2>Why Exercise Timing Might Matter </h2>

There's still a lot to learn about how the timing of our physical activity affects our health and the risk of long-term diseases. More research is definitely needed to fully understand this link. 

However, researchers suggested that the connection between exercise and our body's natural circadian clock (our 24-hour internal rhythm) might explain why timing matters. This internal clock controls things like body temperature and hormone release. So, the time of day you're most active could actually impact how well you perform and even how your muscles respond at a very basic level. Depending on the timing, working out could also either shift your internal clock or keep it steady, which seems to help muscle cell function and overall metabolic health. 

Lastly, it's worth noting that everyone has a chronotype – whether you naturally feel more awake in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Scientists believe that knowing your chronotype and planning your activities accordingly could significantly impact your <span>health and fitness</span>. 

<h2>Should You Exercise in the Morning? </h2>

The American Heart Association suggests getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. But a growing amount of evidence suggests that even short bursts of movement – even just 20 minutes a week – can significantly benefit your heart. 

One sports medicine doctor emphasized that any amount of exercise makes a difference and that whether you exercise is more important than when. Another expert agreed, highlighting that having a consistent exercise schedule is also very important. Both the new study and other research show that sticking to a routine offers many benefits, from preventing long-term diseases to improving survival rates with cancer. 

health and fitness

Health and welbeing

what time should you exercise

exercising in the morning

are morning exercises better than evening

risk of long term diseases

Exercising is a crucial part of keeping ourselves healthy. Whether it is walking, going to the gym or even working out at the weekends, it is very important for your body. Everybody has their own preferences regarding exercising, while some people find it much better to exercise early, others go for evening exercises. Research published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal suggests that exercising in the morning could be especially good for the heart and lungs of older adults. The study also found that simply having a regular exercise routine can bring health benefits. Experts explained that getting physical activity earlier, consistently, and more often during the day might help you stay fit as you get older. What the Study Revealed To understand how the time we exercise affects our overall fitness and health, scientists looked at health information from 799 older adults (average age 76). Participants wore devices on their wrists for seven days to track their activity. They also underwent tests to check their heart and lung health and had regular doctor visits. Here's what researchers discovered: Being most active in the morning (what they called "peak morning activity") was linked to better heart and lung fitness and more efficient walking (meaning the body uses energy better while walking).Exercising at the same time each day consistently was connected to better health outcomes.People who had regular patterns of rest and activity throughout the day showed better heart and lung fitness and walking efficiency.Why Exercise Timing Might Matter There's still a lot to learn about how the timing of our physical activity affects our health and the risk of long-term diseases. More research is definitely needed to fully understand this link. However, researchers suggested that the connection between exercise and our body's natural circadian clock (our 24-hour internal rhythm) might explain why timing matters. This internal clock controls things like body temperature and hormone release. So, the time of day you're most active could actually impact how well you perform and even how your muscles respond at a very basic level. Depending on the timing, working out could also either shift your internal clock or keep it steady, which seems to help muscle cell function and overall metabolic health. Lastly, it's worth noting that everyone has a chronotype – whether you naturally feel more awake in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Scientists believe that knowing your chronotype and planning your activities accordingly could significantly impact your health and fitness. Should You Exercise in the Morning? The American Heart Association suggests getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. But a growing amount of evidence suggests that even short bursts of movement – even just 20 minutes a week – can significantly benefit your heart. One sports medicine doctor emphasized that any amount of exercise makes a difference and that whether you exercise is more important than when. Another expert agreed, highlighting that having a consistent exercise schedule is also very important. Both the new study and other research show that sticking to a routine offers many benefits, from preventing long-term diseases to improving survival rates with cancer. 

exercising at this time of the day not only helps your heart, but also strengthens your lungs

Science Shows What Exercise You Should Do According To Your Personality

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Many times, the things we like to do aren’t easy to do. While it may suit other people, there is no guarantee that it is the best for you. So how does one go about looking for the exercises that suit us? How about picking exercises according to your personality? 

A recent study published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal suggests that picking your exercise according to the kind of personality you have could be the best idea. The study suggests that if your workout fits your personality, you're more likely to stick with it and see better results. 

Researchers mentioned that our personality affects how we respond to and engage with exercise. Think of it from a different perspective, like a person who enjoys talking and having conversations with people, they fair better in jobs that allow more face-to-face interactions. Similarly, this study explains that some aspects of our personality could help us find better results with a certain type of exercise. Understanding ourselves and others can help create personalized fitness plans that lead to lasting changes in how active we are. 

<h2>How Your <span rel="noindex">Personality Shapes Your Workout</span> Choices </h2>

Researchers wanted to make physical activity more enjoyable for people. So, they explored how personality affects what kind of exercise people prefer and how committed they are. They studied 86 individuals over eight weeks. First, participants filled out surveys about their stress levels and personality traits, like how friendly or anxious they tend to be. Then, they underwent fitness tests and were divided into two groups: 

<ul><li>A "resting" group that continued their usual daily activities and did some light stretching each week.</li><li>Another group that performed cycling and strength training at home.</li></ul>

Throughout the study, participants regularly reported how much they enjoyed their exercise sessions. 

<h2>Finding the <span rel="noindex">Best Workout for Your Personality</span> </h2>

The study didn't pinpoint exact exercises for specific personality types, but it did reveal some general patterns connecting what are called the "Big 5" personality traits with workout preferences: 

<ul><li>Extroverts often enjoy intense workouts with other people, like team sports.</li><li>Anxious individuals tend to prefer private workouts with breaks built in.</li><li>Conscientious people generally fit in more physical activity each week and show better overall fitness.</li><li>Agreeable people like to exercise for a while but prefer activities that are less intense.</li><li>Open-minded individuals are willing to try different workouts, but they might rate very strenuous or high-intensity exercises lower than other groups.</li></ul>

It makes a lot of sense that your personality strongly affects your workout preferences. Your traits influence your willingness to try new things, how you feel about effort, and your comfort in different environments, making exercise a natural way for these tendencies to show up. 

Experts note that this study was stronger because it used objective measurements rather than just relying on what people reported about themselves, which is common in similar research. 

However, the study wasn't perfect. More than 70% of participants were described as open-minded, conscientious, and emotionally stable, meaning the group might not fully represent everyone in the general population. Plus, the study didn't account for participants' past exercise experience or why they chose particular workouts. 

<h2>Your Fitness Journey, Your Choices </h2>

Tailoring your fitness program to your personality could potentially boost your exercise gains and overall health. Finding workouts that people will actually do and stick with is crucial for consistent physical activity. 

If you're thinking about trying a new workout, experts suggest reflecting on your own personality traits and the types of activities you usually gravitate toward. It's helpful to pay attention to how you feel after different types of sessions, whether it's a strength workout, yoga, or a run. Ask yourself if it energizes you, calms you down, or just makes you too tired for anything else. 

However, it's also important to think about other factors that might help you stick with an exercise routine, such as how easy it is to access, any injuries you might have, and your specific fitness goals. 

Being willing to adapt and create a plan that truly works for you will help you achieve more long-term benefits. Setting clear goals that include measurable progress is an excellent way to build towards success. 

Personality exercises

Exercise According To Your Personality

Personality Shapes Your Workout

Best Workout for Your Personality

What exercise should i do

does my personality suit my exercise

Many times, the things we like to do aren’t easy to do. While it may suit other people, there is no guarantee that it is the best for you. So how does one go about looking for the exercises that suit us? How about picking exercises according to your personality? A recent study published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal suggests that picking your exercise according to the kind of personality you have could be the best idea. The study suggests that if your workout fits your personality, you're more likely to stick with it and see better results. Researchers mentioned that our personality affects how we respond to and engage with exercise. Think of it from a different perspective, like a person who enjoys talking and having conversations with people, they fair better in jobs that allow more face-to-face interactions. Similarly, this study explains that some aspects of our personality could help us find better results with a certain type of exercise. Understanding ourselves and others can help create personalized fitness plans that lead to lasting changes in how active we are. How Your Personality Shapes Your Workout Choices Researchers wanted to make physical activity more enjoyable for people. So, they explored how personality affects what kind of exercise people prefer and how committed they are. They studied 86 individuals over eight weeks. First, participants filled out surveys about their stress levels and personality traits, like how friendly or anxious they tend to be. Then, they underwent fitness tests and were divided into two groups: A "resting" group that continued their usual daily activities and did some light stretching each week.Another group that performed cycling and strength training at home.Throughout the study, participants regularly reported how much they enjoyed their exercise sessions. Finding the Best Workout for Your Personality The study didn't pinpoint exact exercises for specific personality types, but it did reveal some general patterns connecting what are called the "Big 5" personality traits with workout preferences: Extroverts often enjoy intense workouts with other people, like team sports.Anxious individuals tend to prefer private workouts with breaks built in.Conscientious people generally fit in more physical activity each week and show better overall fitness.Agreeable people like to exercise for a while but prefer activities that are less intense.Open-minded individuals are willing to try different workouts, but they might rate very strenuous or high-intensity exercises lower than other groups.It makes a lot of sense that your personality strongly affects your workout preferences. Your traits influence your willingness to try new things, how you feel about effort, and your comfort in different environments, making exercise a natural way for these tendencies to show up. Experts note that this study was stronger because it used objective measurements rather than just relying on what people reported about themselves, which is common in similar research. However, the study wasn't perfect. More than 70% of participants were described as open-minded, conscientious, and emotionally stable, meaning the group might not fully represent everyone in the general population. Plus, the study didn't account for participants' past exercise experience or why they chose particular workouts. Your Fitness Journey, Your Choices Tailoring your fitness program to your personality could potentially boost your exercise gains and overall health. Finding workouts that people will actually do and stick with is crucial for consistent physical activity. If you're thinking about trying a new workout, experts suggest reflecting on your own personality traits and the types of activities you usually gravitate toward. It's helpful to pay attention to how you feel after different types of sessions, whether it's a strength workout, yoga, or a run. Ask yourself if it energizes you, calms you down, or just makes you too tired for anything else. However, it's also important to think about other factors that might help you stick with an exercise routine, such as how easy it is to access, any injuries you might have, and your specific fitness goals. Being willing to adapt and create a plan that truly works for you will help you achieve more long-term benefits. Setting clear goals that include measurable progress is an excellent way to build towards success. 

science shows what exercise you should do according to your personality

How Much Exercise Do You Need To Build Muscles - The Number Of Sets May Surprise You

How Much Exercise Do You Need To Build Muscles?

For beginners, weight exercises may seem tedious and something that will take a long time to show results. Many people also find that sometimes even despite exercising regularly, slow progress can make them feel discouraged, leading them to grow tired of working out. However, research shows that you do not need countless hours of working out, there is a specific point and set of habits that lead to the best results. 

A new study, a preprint posted in SportRxiv, reviewed 67 studies to pinpoint what exercise habits led to the best muscle and strength improvements. The findings indicate that while doing more sets in a weightlifting session helps with both muscle strength and growth, there's a point where it stops being as effective. 

<h2>How Many Sets Are Best Per Workout? </h2>

One of the study's authors noted that while there's been much research on how often to train and how many sets to do, fewer studies looked at how to split your activity across different workouts. To find answers, the team analyzed many studies involving thousands of people. They looked at two types of sets: 

<ul><li>Direct sets which are exercises that primarily work a specific muscle.</li><li>Indirect sets are exercises where a muscle is working, but it's not the main focus (counted as "half" a set).</li></ul>

Their analysis showed that muscle and strength generally increased with more sets per session. However, the data also showed a stopping point. Muscle growth leveled off after about 11 indirect sets in a single session. On the other hand Strength gains leveled off after around two direct sets in a single session. This means that the first few sets you do in a workout give you the biggest benefits. More sets do seem to help, but only up to a certain point. 

<h2>Creating Your Ideal Strength Routine </h2>

The study's findings can help people make their workouts more efficient and plan their <span>weight training</span>. For strength, it makes sense to train more often—about two to three times a week—with relatively few sets each time. This approach also works for muscle growth. Alternatively, for muscle growth, you could go to the gym less often but do a few more sets in each session. Even if you're not super strict about your routine, know that regular, moderate strength exercise can have a big positive impact on your health. 

<h2>Why Fewer Sets Can Lead to More Gains </h2>

It might seem strange that doing fewer sets could lead to more strength, but these findings match what earlier research has shown. 

 Fewer sets with heavier weights have long been known to increase strength by helping you improve your ability to produce force. The initial challenging sets help to use the most muscle fibers and kickstart most of the strength-building processes. 

 Basically, once you've done one or two hard sets, more sets after that add very little extra benefit. Instead, they add a lot more tiredness and make your recovery time longer. If you train too much over time, you'll feel more tired and won't perform as well, especially when it comes to pure strength. 

<h2>Using Research to Plan Your Next Workout </h2>

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting, this research can guide you on how to get the most out of your weight training: try focusing on just a few sets, repeated about three times throughout the week. 

For beginners, it's suggested to start with fewer sets and add more if you stop seeing results. When it comes to the ideal number of repetitions in each set, it depends on your fitness goals: 

<ul><li>Fewer reps (about 1 to 5) are good for strength and power.</li><li>About 6 to 12 reps are best for building muscle.</li><li>Between 13 and 20 reps are recommended for muscle endurance.</li><li>Make sure to allow enough rest between workouts for the same muscle groups</li><li>It also helps to track your workouts—like how many sets, reps, and what weight you lifted—and adjust based on how your body responds.</li></ul>

Building muscles

how much exercise to build muscles

number of sets to build muscles

Exercising and fitness

Strength training

Weight training

For beginners, weight exercises may seem tedious and something that will take a long time to show results. Many people also find that sometimes even despite exercising regularly, slow progress can make them feel discouraged, leading them to grow tired of working out. However, research shows that you do not need countless hours of working out, there is a specific point and set of habits that lead to the best results. A new study, a preprint posted in SportRxiv, reviewed 67 studies to pinpoint what exercise habits led to the best muscle and strength improvements. The findings indicate that while doing more sets in a weightlifting session helps with both muscle strength and growth, there's a point where it stops being as effective. How Many Sets Are Best Per Workout? One of the study's authors noted that while there's been much research on how often to train and how many sets to do, fewer studies looked at how to split your activity across different workouts. To find answers, the team analyzed many studies involving thousands of people. They looked at two types of sets: Direct sets which are exercises that primarily work a specific muscle.Indirect sets are exercises where a muscle is working, but it's not the main focus (counted as "half" a set).Their analysis showed that muscle and strength generally increased with more sets per session. However, the data also showed a stopping point. Muscle growth leveled off after about 11 indirect sets in a single session. On the other hand Strength gains leveled off after around two direct sets in a single session. This means that the first few sets you do in a workout give you the biggest benefits. More sets do seem to help, but only up to a certain point. Creating Your Ideal Strength Routine The study's findings can help people make their workouts more efficient and plan their weight training. For strength, it makes sense to train more often—about two to three times a week—with relatively few sets each time. This approach also works for muscle growth. Alternatively, for muscle growth, you could go to the gym less often but do a few more sets in each session. Even if you're not super strict about your routine, know that regular, moderate strength exercise can have a big positive impact on your health. Why Fewer Sets Can Lead to More Gains It might seem strange that doing fewer sets could lead to more strength, but these findings match what earlier research has shown.  Fewer sets with heavier weights have long been known to increase strength by helping you improve your ability to produce force. The initial challenging sets help to use the most muscle fibers and kickstart most of the strength-building processes.  Basically, once you've done one or two hard sets, more sets after that add very little extra benefit. Instead, they add a lot more tiredness and make your recovery time longer. If you train too much over time, you'll feel more tired and won't perform as well, especially when it comes to pure strength. Using Research to Plan Your Next Workout Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting, this research can guide you on how to get the most out of your weight training: try focusing on just a few sets, repeated about three times throughout the week. For beginners, it's suggested to start with fewer sets and add more if you stop seeing results. When it comes to the ideal number of repetitions in each set, it depends on your fitness goals: Fewer reps (about 1 to 5) are good for strength and power.About 6 to 12 reps are best for building muscle.Between 13 and 20 reps are recommended for muscle endurance.Make sure to allow enough rest between workouts for the same muscle groupsIt also helps to track your workouts—like how many sets, reps, and what weight you lifted—and adjust based on how your body responds.

how much exercise do you need to build muscles - the number of sets may surprise you

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