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An Extra 5 Minutes of Exercise Per Day May Lower Blood Pressure, New Study Suggests

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An Extra 5 Minutes of Exercise Per Day May Lower Blood Pressure, New Study Suggests
There’s no question everyone’s days are jam-packed. With jobs, family responsibilities, social obligations, and more, getting some movement in is often put on the back burner. But a new study published in Circulation suggests that just five extra minutes of exercise each day can help lower blood pressure.

Yep, you read that right: This simple yet powerful change could make a big difference in your heart health. While five minutes may not sound like a lot, the research shows even small increases in daily physical activity add up to meaningful health benefits over time.

A closer look at the study

Researchers collected health data from over 14,000 volunteers who wore movement trackers throughout the day and then had their blood pressure measured. The average day of the participants consisted of about seven hours of sleep, 10 hours of sedentary activity (like sitting), three hours of standing, one hour of slow-paced walking, one hour of fast-paced walking, and 16 minutes of physical activity (like running or cycling).

Using the above data the researchers gathered, they modeled what would happen if a person swapped certain behaviors for others each day in order to estimate the effect it would have on their blood pressure. The results? Replacing any less active behavior with five minutes of exercise per day—like stair climbing, cycling, or running—could lower systolic (the top number in a blood pressure reading) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) and reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 10 percent.

Adding five extra minutes is a doable goal for most people, even with a busy schedule.

The bottom line

The study highlights how blood pressure responds to physical activity in a very positive way. According to Harvard Health, every time we exercise, our blood vessels dilate, which makes it easier for blood to flow and reduces strain on the arteries. Over time, even small, consistent boosts in activity help to improve circulation, make your heart pump more efficiently, and ultimately lower blood pressure. These changes can reduce risks associated with high blood pressure, like heart attacks and strokes.

One of the most exciting parts about this finding is that adding five extra minutes is a doable goal for most people, even with a busy schedule. Imagine just taking a brisk five-minute walk, doing some bodyweight exercises, or even stretching a bit more each day. By adding these small, manageable increments to your routine, you’re improving your heart health without needing any major lifestyle changes.

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“The good news is that whatever your physical ability, it doesn’t take long to have a positive effect on blood pressure,” said Jo Blodgett, PhD, lead study author and senior research fellow at the University College London’s Institute of Sport, Exercise, and Health, in a press release. “What’s unique about our exercise variable is that it includes all exercise-like activities, from climbing the stairs to a short cycling errand, many of which can be integrated into daily routines.”

According to the study, these five extra minutes are especially impactful for people who already have slightly elevated blood pressure, often called prehypertension. By adding a little more physical activity in each day, people in this range could potentially avoid needing medications or further interventions.

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Fitness

Trending Exercise & Fitness Gear for the new year…

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Trending Exercise & Fitness Gear for the new year…
“Exercising” topped the list of resolutions for 2026, followed by “eating better” and “saving money.” Beauty and Style Editor, Marianne Mychaskiw, joins California Live with trending exercise products that will help you keep your fitness resolution… Or motivate you to get started.
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Fitness

You can now exercise with Dunkin’ weighted fitness bangles

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You can now exercise with Dunkin’ weighted fitness bangles

Dunkin’ has released a limited-edition set of weighted bangles on Tuesday, Jan. 12 through a collaboration with fitness accessory brand Bala, coinciding with the nationwide launch of its new Protein Milk option.

The 2-pound weighted bangles are available exclusively at ShopBala.com/dunkin-bala-bangles for $65 while supplies last. The wearable weights, which can be worn on arms or legs, feature Dunkin’s signature pink-and-orange color scheme and add resistance to walks, stretches, and everyday movement.

The bangles coordinate with Dunkin’s existing Dunk N’ Pump Collection.

Alongside the fitness accessory launch, Dunkin’ introduced Protein Milk as a new beverage addition available at locations nationwide. Customers can add 15 grams of protein to any medium drink that includes a milk or non-dairy base.

The coffee chain rolled out several protein-focused beverages featuring the new Protein Milk, including Megan’s Mango and Strawberry Protein Refreshers, a Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte, and an Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte.

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Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Help Slow Cancer Growth, New Study Suggests – Muscle & Fitness

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Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Help Slow Cancer Growth, New Study Suggests – Muscle & Fitness

Exercise has long been known for its muscle building, heart saving, and mind stimulating benefits, but more and more research is beginning to shed light on how being active can inhibit the spread of cancer, with a new study suggesting that just 10 minutes of exercise can switch off the signals that lead to cancer growth. The study, undertaken by researchers at England’s Newcastle University and published by the JAMA Network, showed that even short burst of energetic exercise can trigger quick molecular changes within the bloodstream that can halt cancer growth and accelerate DNA repair.

How Was the Study Carried Out?

30 overweight or obese male and female volunteers aged between 50 and 78 (risk factors associated with cancer) who were otherwise healthy, were asked to complete cycling sessions for around ten minutes. Following this activity, blood samples were then taken to measure 249 different proteins, and how the intervention of exercise may have affected these proteins.

Does Exercise Lower Cancer Risk Long-Term?

The scientists discovered that 13 proteins increased after this exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein that is associated with DNA and damaged cell repair. “These results suggest that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow,” said Dr. Samuel Orange, who is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. “… it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells”

It is estimated that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by around 20 percent. “It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes,” added Orange. “In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”

The study also found that exercise supercharged activity in genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, enabling calls to use oxygen more efficiently, while genes that encourage rapid cell growth were essentially switched off, reducing the aggressiveness of cancer cells. “Even a single workout can make a difference,” commented Orange. “One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It’s a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.”

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