A rolling stone gathers no moss? A factual check of the old proverb

Generally speaking, breaks are good for your health – if they are not too long. Extended periods of lazing around, which last longer than a weekend, can certainly be harmful. At least this is the conclusion of a recent study from England. The participants in the study were on average 32 years old, healthy and led an active lifestyle with regular exercise and an average of more than 10,000 steps a day. After only 14 days of inactivity, however, the function of the endothelial cells, which are responsible for regulating blood pressure in the body, deteriorated. The abnormal function of the endothelium contributes to the calcification of the vessels, often occurs in combination with diabetes and can be the first sign of cardiovascular disease. Further effects were the increase in body fat, abdominal girth and liver fat; even the negative influence on heart-lung activity was measurable. The good news: after the 14-day rest phase, a further 14-day activity phase followed, at the end of which the study participants had almost regained their fitness level at the beginning of the study.

Therefore the recommendation resulting from the study was that short, daily breaks to rest the body are good and sensible, but long periods of inactivity are better avoided. Keep moving, for the sake of your health.

Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-09/d-sst091619.php