Moderate-intensity exercise more effective than vigorous intensity for cardiovascular risk

A surprising paper of great practical significance was just published in the journal Obesity that documents a significantly greater improvement in cardiovascular risk-related variables (triglycerides, insulin, metabolic syndrome score) with moderate-intensity exercise than with vigorous exercise. The authors offer this life-style pearl: "That all three of these strong, independent, cardiovascular risk factors were significantly affected by moderate-intensity exercise suggests that regular walking exercise might be as effective, if not more so, than more vigorous exercise in favorably modifying cardiovascular risk." Further research will have to validate my expectation that the adrenocortical stress response plays a role here. Don't forget the importance of interval training (see earlier posts), but at least get out for a walk.