Fitness
New Research Suggests Five Minutes of Extra Exercise a Day Could Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common causes of premature death worldwide. And while we’re well aware that frequent exercise can help combat high blood pressure, the good news is that new evidence suggests that just 5 minutes of extra movement could make a significant difference to our heart health and even potentially reduce those risks.
The study published in Circulation analysed health data from 14,761 participants to examine how swapping one type of movement with another was associated with changes in blood pressure. During the intervention, the participants from five different countries wore an accelerometer device to measure their activity and blood pressure throughout the course of the day and night.
The participant’s daily activity was split into six categories:
- Sleep
- Sedentary behaviour (sitting)
- Slow walking
- Fast walking
- Standing
- Vigorous exercise (running, cycling or stair climbing)
The researchers measured what would happen if a participant changed various amounts of one behaviour or another in order to estimate the effect on blood pressure.
They found that replacing sedentary behaviour with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day by uphill walking, stair climbing, running and cycling, was estimated to lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure and could potentially reduce cardiovascular disease by up to 29%.
The study also indicated that just five minutes of activity a day was estimated to potentially reduce blood pressure.
According to joint senior author Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, ‘High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication.’
‘The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management,’ he explained.
First author Dr Jo Blodgett added, ‘For those who don’t do a lot of exercise, walking did still have some positive benefits for blood pressure. But if you want to change your blood pressure, putting more demand on the cardiovascular system through exercise will have the greatest effect.’
Fitness
Move over gym workouts: Experts reveal why basketball might be the ultimate full-body exercise | – The Times of India
While you’ve been biding your time at the gym, has the real health been hiding in throwing some balls through the hoops? Basketball is one of the few sports that combine speed, agility and strategy in a play that has garnered it roughly 2.2 billion fans and more than 600 million active players worldwide. The game involves an impressive interplay of physical and mental health, is widely accessible and promotes healthy physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.
Here’s how experts state it can be the ideal full-body exercise you need.
Basketball and physical health
Every sports activity is healthy and fun for the body. Basketball in particular is a moderate to vigorous intensity contact sport that has high levels of aerobic activity. “It has many proven heart-health benefits brought about by improving cardiorespiratory fitness and lowering risk of adverse cardiovascular diseases such as strokes,” said Dr Chantal Nguyen, chief resident at Stanford Medicine’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic to USA TODAY.Additionally, it also improves cholesterol, triglyceride and blood-sugar profiles along with being an excellent fat burner. Its high intensity can help in burning a lot of calories and fat. With a variety of movements such as jogging, springing, jumping, dribbling and more, the sport engages numerous muscles in the body, thus toning all of them. These include the core, lower back, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves. A 2022 study published in Springer Nature, mentioned “feeling of the ball” as a complex of specialised perception associated with musculoskeletal, vestibular, visual, and tactile sensations, making it the highest manifestation of coordination abilities. The study explained how the physical movements required in the game improve bone health, and are an exemplary full-body workout. Playing the game works the deltoids, traps, lower back, upper back and core as well as the shoulder joints. It also trains players in two important skills: balance and coordination and hand-eye coordination.
Basketball and mental health
With the amount of rapid strategy and quick movements that the sport demands, basketball is a game that needs you to be quick on your feet and mind all the time. Thus, its team-based nature also elevates mental and social health along with improving mood and connectivity.With the requirement of a team, people learn to open up in communication, leadership and more, helping develop a variety of vital life skills. A 2025 study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, stated that basketball physical training effectively alleviated psychological anxiety in college students. The above-mentioned Springer study also stated that the sport helps in developing decision-making and increases self-confidence and self-esteem and can be a powerful game for young people who are depressed, teaching them, confidence, empathy and team-building skills.
Understanding basketball
Basketball is a sport played between two teams of five players on a court with a hoop on both ends. The points are scored by shooting the ball through the opponent’s basket, while preventing the other team from doing the same.What’s important to note, is that the sport also comes with its own injuries. The most common are injuries in the joints such as ankles and knees. Sprains, ACL tears and finger injuries are also common.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.
Fitness
Home Multi Gym Exercise Equipment Sale Announced by Strongway Gym Supplies
Coventry, UK – October 29, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Strongway Gym Supplies has announced the sale of its multifunctional home gym range, extending access to customers seeking reliable, compact, and versatile fitness systems for personal and small-scale use. The company said that the latest models have been developed to balance performance capability with the spatial needs of domestic users, following a period of steady demand across its home fitness catalogue.
According to Strongway, the update aligns with its wider approach to supplying strength and conditioning equipment that supports structured training without requiring a dedicated commercial space.
The company confirmed that recent refinements have focused on system stability, operational smoothness, and ease of adjustment, reflecting the needs of individuals looking to replicate gym-quality workouts in home environments.
Strongway stated that the new release is part of an ongoing plan to update its products in line with how people are using gym equipment today. By considering feedback from home users and personal trainers, the company aims to keep the same high-quality standards found in professional gyms while making the machines easier to use in smaller home spaces. The update comes after a detailed review of the frames and pulley systems to make sure the design stays consistent across the range of equipment.
The announcement is part of a growing trend in the home fitness market, where many users are turning towards multifunctional gym systems that allow varied training in limited space. Strongway’s current release draws attention to this shift by offering an integrated model that enables both isolated and compound exercises using a unified platform. More information about the range is available at the following link: https://strongway.co.uk/products/strongway-multi-gym-with-weights-multifunction-home-gym-machine.
Mandip Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, said that the company’s objective remains to provide fitness solutions that are as adaptable as they are durable. “The current line represents our ongoing work to refine the balance between strength, safety, and convenience. As home training becomes increasingly popular, users are asking for equipment that performs consistently over time without sacrificing compactness,” he explained.
The company added that this focus on efficiency has also influenced other developments within its catalogue, where individual machines are designed to support multiple exercise formats. Strongway described this as part of its broader intent to build fitness systems that can evolve with the user — whether for weight training, rehabilitation, or general fitness maintenance.
The company also highlighted that a key part of the recent update was the reduction of assembly complexity. Users can now transition between settings more easily, while maintaining a stable base for controlled movement.
The design also reflects a commitment to mechanical precision, ensuring that load distribution remains balanced throughout a range of motion. This approach, Strongway noted, helps create a smoother user experience while sustaining long-term structural reliability.
The home fitness market in the UK has continued to grow as more people look for professional-quality gym equipment that fits easily into their homes. Strongway’s range, especially its multifunction machines, meets this demand by offering flexible designs that allow for full-body workouts without taking up much space. The company continues to update its home-use equipment to match what customers want, while keeping the same strength and durability found in its commercial products.
Strongway has indicated that the new release will sit alongside other key products within its home multi gym series, allowing customers to choose between various resistance and attachment options depending on their training preferences. The company’s catalogue continues to evolve in response to demand for adaptable, self-contained exercise systems.
Randeep Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, remarked that the expansion of the company’s range demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term product reliability. “Our focus has always been on consistency,” he said. “Each update is the result of steady evaluation and small but meaningful changes that enhance the overall training experience. We see this as an ongoing process rather than a one-off release.”
The announcement also complements Strongway’s existing catalogue of home and light-commercial fitness products, which continues to draw attention from home fitness enthusiasts and seasoned lifters alike. The company confirmed that the home fitness range of equipment will remain part of its core lineup, accessible through its official page: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.
###
For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:
Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
Fitness
Fitness coach shares simple ‘5-second exercise’ every woman should do daily to feel healthier and stronger
Finding time for health and fitness isn’t easy, especially when life moves at full speed. Between long commutes, desk jobs, and constant multitasking, many women struggle with poor posture, stiffness, and low energy. But what if the fix was simpler than you think? Lifestyle and fitness coach Luke Coutinho shares in his September 29 Instagram post a simple 5-second exercise that he believes every woman should know. (Also read: Apollo hospital orthopaedic surgeon with 28+ years of experience explains ‘why your knees hurt while climbing stairs’ )
What are Kegel exercises and why should women do them
Women, try this right now. “Imagine you’re trying to pee, and I tell you to stop midstream. Try that. Which muscles did you clench?” says Luke. “If you did that right now, you just did a Kegel exercise.” He explains that Kegel exercises are one of the most powerful yet underrated practices for women’s health. “They strengthen your pelvic floor, the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum,” says Luke.
According to Luke, these exercises do far more than most people realise. “By doing Kegels, you strengthen and increase blood flow to your pelvic region,” he explains. “That helps with issues like urine incontinence, nighttime urination, and weak bladder control.”
He adds that Kegels are especially beneficial after childbirth. “Post-delivery, the vaginal walls can weaken if you’ve had a natural birth. Doing Kegels strengthens your vaginal muscles, improving intimacy and sexual satisfaction too.”
They also help prevent pelvic organ prolapse, a common condition where the bladder or uterus shifts downward. “Kegel exercises help support the entire area holding your bladder, uterus, and rectum,” Luke notes.
How do you perform Kegel exercises correctly
“The right way to do Kegels is the same way I asked you earlier, imagine you’re peeing and stop midway,” he explains. “You don’t need to clench too hard. Avoid tightening your abs or thighs, just a gentle squeeze.”

Luke recommends starting small:
- Do 3 sets, twice a day.
- Clench for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds.
- Gradually increase to 15 seconds of clenching and 10 seconds of rest as you get stronger.
“You can do these anywhere, on a flight, in a car (if you’re not driving), at home, before bed, or right after waking up,” Luke says. “These little things are incredibly powerful for your reproductive and overall health.”
He reminds viewers, though, that Kegels are not a replacement for medical care. “If you have a prolapse or other issue, please see your doctor,” he advises.
“Remember,” Luke concludes, “Kegel exercises may take just a few seconds, but staying consistent with them can truly transform your pelvic health and long-term wellbeing.”
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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