Part-time gym goers and weekend warriors rejoice: A new study from researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has found that just one 20-minute session of moderate exercise stimulates a cellular response that may help suppress inflammation.

A 20-minute workout on the treadmill "resulted in a five percent decrease in the number of stimulated immune cells producing TNF," a protein which regulates inflammation throughout the body and also triggers the immune system to become active, according to a news release from UCSD.

Read: What Are ‘Weekend Warrior’ Workouts? Exercising Twice A Week Still Promotes Better Health, Study Says

The research team examined 47 study participants as they walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes at different intensity levels, which were determined based on their fitness level. According to the news release, participants’ blood was collected before and after the exercise.

"Our study shows a workout session doesn't actually have to be intense to have anti-inflammatory effects. Twenty minutes to half-an-hour of moderate exercise, including fast walking, appears to be sufficient," said senior study author Suzi Hong, PhD, according to the press release. "Feeling like a workout needs to be at a peak exertion level for a long duration can intimidate those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases and could greatly benefit from physical activity.”

Read: Exercise Benefits: Even A Minimal Amount Of Physical Activity Will Make You Happier, Healthier

But, with only moderate exercise, will you get the same mood boost that comes along with consistently working out to your limit?

Earlier this month, a study was published after researchers gathered data from users of a mood-tracking app. They found that even minimal levels of physical activity can improve your happiness, Medical Daily previously reported.

Source: Dimitrov S, Hulteng E, Hong S. Inflammation and exercise: Inhibition of monocytic intracellular TNF production by acute exercise via β2-adrenergic activation. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2016.

Read Also:

Workout For The Human Brain: Can Exercise Boost Memory For The Elderly?

How To Keep Your Brain Young: Exercise May Combat Cognitive Decline

Exercise Motivation Hacks For ADHD, Autistic Young People: Brain Benefits Of Staying Active, Having Fun