A study at University College London said that watching a movie in the cinema may be as beneficial as doing light exercises, according to the British "Daily Mail" website.
The researchers found that the heart rate increased as much as during cardio muscle exercises for about 45 minutes in the cinema.
The researchers said that the body reacts and activates when the focus becomes concentrated in the film and that this long focus period also has benefits for the mind.
Visiting the cinema can increase focus and memory by focusing on one thing for a long time instead of mixing more than one activity at the same time, such as using smartphones and tablets with TV when watching a movie at home.
The study included 51 people, and the researchers used sensors to track heart rate and skin reactions by viewers.
Movie-goers were compared to a group of 26 people who spent the same time reading.
Where the study found that people in the cinema spent about 45 minutes in the "healthy heart region" where the heart beats by between 40 and 80 percent of its maximum rate.
The researchers said the same effect could be achieved through cardio exercise, such as brisk walking.