Sitting in the cinema counts as a light workout, scientists find

Cinemagoers who watched the live action version of Aladdin experienced the same health benefits as taking light cardio exercise
Cinemagoers who watched the live action version of Aladdin experienced the same health benefits as taking light cardio exercise
DISNEY/AP

It is welcome news if you are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle but cannot face the gym: settling down in front of a film could be just as beneficial.

Scientists at University College London (UCL) said that a trip to the cinema could be as good for your health as a “light form of cardio” exercise. They also said that it could provide a boost for your heart and benefit memory and concentration.

It may also be better than watching a film at home because there are fewer distractions in a cinema, allowing your brain to devote a rare period of “undivided attention” to what is unfolding.

The research followed 51 cinemagoers watching the live action version of Aladdin and compared them with a