We’re nearing the end of February. How are you doing with that New Year’s resolution to exercise more? What if I told you it was possible to exercise less and get more out of it. According to an AP article, that may just be the case.
Intense exercise sessions — also known as interval training — could be the solution. These regimens that were initially used for Olympic athletes had been thought to be too much for the average person, but recent studies have revealed that may not be the case. Interval training involves exercising really hard for a few minutes, then taking a few minutes of rest between sets.
Jan Helgerud, who works in the Exercise and Extreme Environments group at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, recommends four sessions of four minutes each, with three-minute periods of rest. Helgerud adds, “You should be a little out of breath, but you shouldn’t have the obvious feeling of exhaustion.”
According to the article, compared to a normal exercise routine, “research has shown those doing interval training can double their endurance, improve their oxygen use and strength by more than 10 percent and their speed by at least 5 percent.”
Those thinking this is an easy way out should be cautioned, though. Experts say more research is needed, especially when it comes to older and less fit populations. And, as with any exercise program, you should consult with your physician before starting.
Photo by Ed Yourdon via Flickr.