Friday, February 20, 2009
It used to be that KU students could work out 30 minutes a day and stay in shape.
Recent studies say that may not be enough.
Research by Joseph Donnelly, director of the Center of Physical Activity and Weight Management, suggests students, and people in general, may need to step up their exercise efforts if they want to maintain or lose weight.
Donnelly had research published in February’s Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine for his research in weight loss.
“ACSM is the largest and most respected professional organization that has its major mission as the investigation of exercise and health,” Donnelly said.
Donnelly’s research focused on investigating adequate exercise practices. His studies challenged research from 2001 regarding the amount of physical activity necessary for a person to avoid gaining weight. It was believed that a minimum of 150 minutes a week, which breaks down to 30 minutes a weekday, was sufficient for improving health and losing weight.
Donnelly and others researchers now believe 150 to 250 minutes a week, or 30 to 50 minutes a weekday, leads to successful weight loss as well as weight gain prevention. The article stated that exercising more than 250 minutes would lead to more significant weight loss.
“I’d have to agree,” Hollie Swindler, Mott, N.D., graduate student, said.
Swindler is studying health education and said she knew 45 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular work was necessary to lose weight.
“If you can fit that into your schedule, you should,” she said.
Swindler said 30 minutes of physical activity was an achievable goal for someone who was hesitant to workout for long periods of time.
“Anything is better than nothing,” Donnelly said.
He said it was important to stay active throughout the day.
“If the past and present presidents of the U.S. can find time, anyone can find time,” Donnelly said.
Alex Miller, Bonner Springs junior, said his main goal as a personal trainer at the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center was to get clients moving. He often recommends clients take walks when they’re bored, read while doing cardio on the machines and do crunches while watching TV.
Donnelly said hundreds of KU students had participated in weight loss studies in the past.
“We are always looking for people to participate in our studies,” said Lori Fowler, administrative aid for The Life Span Institute. Participants can be compensated anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 after completion of studies ranging nine to ten months. Depending on the study, participants may also receive meals and exercise facilities.
Donnelly said he and other researchers at The Life Span Institute had about a dozen exercise-related studies underway. Researchers are also studying protein supplementation and weight training.
Fowler said applicants knew within one to two weeks if they were eligible for a study.
“If an individual does not qualify for our projects, then we put them in our database and inform them of any upcoming opportunities,” Fowler said.
— — Edited by Casey Miles
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