Fitness
Garmin Reveals Correlation Between Happiness And Exercise
Garmin Fenix 8
Garmin has announced the first findings from a pilot for a large-scale study looking into the effects of regular exercise and activity on a person’s wellbeing.
And the results? They aren’t going to shock many of you.
The study is being held by Garmin, the University of Oxford and Harvard University, among other bodies. To date, only the initial pilot phase of the study has been completed, with the next stage hoping to attract 10,000 participants.
170 people took part in the pilot study.
Its lead finding is just what you might expect from a study like this, that getting a good amount of physical activity and solid sleep is “strongly correlated” with lower stress and increased happiness.
Garmin Happiness and physical activity results
Garmin also says participants reported they were at their “happiest” when hanging out with friends or family, or taking part in cultural activities. Exercise isn’t all you need.
How did this trial work? The people taking part were asked three times a day about how happy they felt, and for info on activities they had taken part in since the last survey.
These surveys were sent to the users’ phones, but the data was also cross-referenced with the data from Garmin watches worn by participants.
Those interested can become part of the study’s 10,000 applicants by applying through the website. You are required to be at least 18 years old, and to not have “a neurological condition that hinders you in daily life.”
Participation does not actually require you own a Garmin watch, though.
“Ideally, you also have access to or can obtain a Garmin smartwatch, although this is not required to participate in the study,” the study’s FAQ section reads.
Enrolment will be upon until June 15, and the study is designed to run for eight weeks.
Other observations Garmin has highlighted from the pilot phase include “emotional” stability tends to be higher in older people than young folks, and that retention was on the whole pretty good.
“By leveraging Garmin’s capabilities, we aim to overcome the recruitment and retention challenges that have hindered similar studies and uncover new insights into the drivers of mental health and wellbeing,” says Micah Kaats, one of the study’s investigators from Harvard University.
Fitness
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.
Fitness
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.”
Fitness
You Can Keep Your Health And Fitness Resolutions Without Overdoing It
As hopeful as New Year’s Resolutions feel when you’re making them, it can be hard to keep momentum when you’re faced with dark January days, a 5-week month and, well, the state of the world right now.
If this is ringing some familiar bells, you’re not alone. Lots of us struggle to keep going with resolutions and in fact, the second Friday of January is actually dubbed Quitter’s Day as that’s when many of us slip and give up our resolutions.
However, when it comes to health and fitness, one NHS doctor urges that focusing on small wins and having a long-term goal of understanding your body and health can be a lot more beneficial.
You don’t have to do it all at once
Dr Reem Hasan, Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health and NHS GP says: “The best health goals are the ones you can live with, small actions that build momentum and become part of your routine. Sustainable change is what truly transforms health.”
This means you don’t have to race to join your local gym, have a 12-step fitness routine and unrealistic goals that will inevitably burn you out and put you off fitness all together.
Dr Hasan advises taking the three following steps when it comes to health and fitness:
Prioritise movement over perfection
Instead of committing to an intense daily workout, start with something manageable like a short walk during your lunch break, stretching before bed, or taking the stairs instead of the lift.
It’s still January, you still deserve to take your time.
Dr Hasan adds: “These small bursts of activity add up and make movement part of your lifestyle rather than a short-term resolution.”
Add before you restrict
If you’re looking to make your diet healthier, Dr Hasan urgess that restriction isn’t the way forward, saying: “Rather than cutting out foods, focus on adding nutritious options like an extra portion of fruit or vegetables each day, or swapping one processed snack for a whole food alternative.
“This positive approach supports your health without triggering feelings of guilt or deprivation.”
Protect your rest
It is something that we take for granted but actually, good sleep hygiene is essential for our day-to-day wellbeing.
Dr Hasan says: “Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining health. Set a realistic bedtime, avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before sleep, and create a calm evening routine. Rested bodies and minds make better decisions and sustain energy for other healthy habits.
“When you approach change this way, gently and consistently, you are more likely to build habits that last all year. You will feel stronger, more balanced, and may even inspire those around you to take their own small steps toward better health.”
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