As we grow older, the need to exercise becomes even more apparent. Every small step counts. In fact, according to a study featured on Science Daily, older adults who exercise once a week may successfully maintain muscular and cardiovascular fitness.

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) separated 63 women over 60 years old into three groups: one group performed aerobic exercise training (AET) and resistance exercise training (RET) once a week, another twice a week, while the last group worked out thrice a week. The program went on for 16 weeks.

Interestingly, all three groups showed increased muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness, but there were no significant differences between the performances. There were also no huge drops in body weight.

"One of the biggest barriers to exercise training for the older female population is adherence, and one of the key findings in this study is that doing a little bit of exercise can go a long way," primary investigator Gordon Fisher, Ph.D. concludes.

While the study focused on senior citizens, it wouldn't hurt to work out at least once a week. If you don’t have time to commit to a gym just yet, try setting aside a few minutes of your time to do aerobic and resistance training each day. You might be surprised at how a simple exercise routine may change your life.

(Photo by Izzard via Flickr Creative Commons)