Diverse women engaging in various moderate exercises against a vibrant heart backdrop.

Move to Live: How Staying Active Can Slash Your Stroke Risk

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Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness April 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals the powerful link between consistent physical activity and a reduced risk of stroke in women, offering a clear path to better health."


In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle often takes a backseat. However, new research highlights the critical role of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of stroke, particularly for women. A study from the California Teachers Study (CTS) reveals that consistent moderate exercise can significantly lower stroke risk, offering a beacon of hope for those seeking to improve their cardiovascular health.

Stroke, a leading cause of disability and death, affects millions worldwide. Understanding how to mitigate risk factors is crucial, and this latest study provides compelling evidence for the benefits of regular physical activity. By examining the exercise habits of thousands of women over a decade, researchers have uncovered valuable insights into the connection between movement and stroke prevention.

This article breaks down the key findings of the CTS study, offering practical advice and actionable steps to help you incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there's something here for everyone seeking to safeguard their health and well-being.

The Power of Consistent Activity: Key Findings from the CTS Study

Diverse women engaging in various moderate exercises against a vibrant heart backdrop.

The California Teachers Study tracked over 61,000 women, examining their leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) at two points, ten years apart. The study categorized LTPA based on American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of strenuous activity per week. Researchers then analyzed the association between changes in LTPA and the risk of incident stroke.

The results were striking: women who consistently met AHA recommendations for moderate activity at both time points had a significantly lower risk of stroke. Specifically, meeting these guidelines was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.84, indicating a 16% reduction in overall stroke risk. This protective effect was even more pronounced for ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke, with a hazard ratio of 0.70, representing a 30% risk reduction.
Key findings from the study include:
  • Consistent moderate activity reduces overall stroke risk by 16%.
  • Ischemic stroke risk decreases by 30% with regular moderate exercise.
  • Meeting AHA recommendations at both baseline and follow-up provides the most protection.
  • Even starting moderate activity later in life can offer significant benefits.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that women who met AHA recommendations at the beginning of the study but became less active over the decade did not experience the same reduced stroke risk. This underscores the importance of maintaining consistent physical activity throughout life to reap its protective benefits. It suggests that recent activity is more critical than past activity.

Take Action: Simple Steps to a More Active Life

The CTS study delivers a clear message: incorporating regular moderate physical activity into your life is a powerful way to reduce your risk of stroke. Whether it's a brisk daily walk, a fun dance class, or a relaxing bike ride, finding activities you enjoy is key to making exercise a sustainable part of your routine. Remember, it's never too late to start moving towards a healthier, stroke-free future. So, lace up those sneakers and take the first step today!

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