Short Daily Exercise Beats Luxury Retreats for Mental Health
A recent study, the 'Everyday Escape' trial by ASICS, has revealed that daily exercise, even in short bursts, is more beneficial for mental health and stress reduction than wellness retreats. The trial found that 71% of participants preferred daily movement over retreats for stress management.
The concept of exercise snacking has gained traction in recent years. It involves performing brief, frequent physical activities throughout the day instead of longer, single exercise sessions. This approach makes fitness more accessible for those with busy schedules. Dr. Brendon Stubbs, who led the trial, confirmed the long-term benefits of regular exercise over short-term wellness retreats.
The trial found that 65% of participants experienced a bigger mood boost from just 15 minutes of daily exercise than from a luxury retreat. Moreover, 73% reported that the mental health benefits of daily exercise lasted longer than those from a retreat. This is significant, as 72% of UK participants found that any wellness benefits from a retreat faded shortly after returning home. Even more compelling, 81% of participants said they would continue taking movement breaks and prioritize daily exercise for their wellbeing over attending another retreat.
The ASICS 'Everyday Escape' trial underscores the power of daily exercise, even in short bursts, for mental health and stress management. With 71% of participants finding daily movement more effective than wellness retreats, it's clear that regular exercise can provide long-lasting benefits. The trial also highlights the potential limitations of wellness retreats, with 63% of UK participants feeling that they did not meet all their expectations.
