Shorter Time Exercising & Better Results

Exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy and to heal illness.  There are numerous studies demonstrating that exercise is better than most medications on the market today to treat diseases like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, osteoporosis and more.  This is probably not new information to you.

"Yeah, yeah, I would like to exercise, but I can't afford the time," is most likely the biggest barrier to exercise.  Generally, people think they need to exercise for at least 30 to 45 minutes for it to be effective or worthwhile, but that is not true.  People can benefit from smaller increments of sustained aerobic activity. 

However, people do not just want to benefit from exercise.  They want to be healthy and look it too.  This is me, because I am a result driven person.  Then about two years ago, I learned how the  high-intensity interval training (HIIT) method of aerobic exercise is superior to sustained aerobic activity.  I tried it, and I was able to shave 15 minutes off my aerobic workouts and reduce the frequency.  Not being the type of person who is looking to cut out exercise (I would too feel guilty and unhealthy), the HIIT made my body know that some aerobic exercise had to be reduced or suffer fatigue. Plus I was able to fit in some flexibility and strength training which really makes for a better fitness routine (I know this is not everyone else's idea of what to do with extra time).

The good news is that you can exercise just 20 minutes three times a week using HIIT and be stronger and healthier.  There is no need for the longer workout.  It is easy to implement.  Choose an aerobic activity like walking, running, treadmill or swimming.  Warm up with a moderate pace for one to two minutes.  Next, exercise at an intense, all you have pace for 30 seconds.  Exercise at a moderate pace for 90 seconds and return to the intense pace for 30 seconds.  Keep doing this for about six sets and finish with two to three minutes of a moderate cool down. If you are heavier and looking to lose weight, you can do it for eight sets, four days a week.  If you are at a good weight, the three days a week are fine.

Exercise is truly one of the best things for your body.  The HIIT method is a way to do it efficiently without overburdening your already busy schedule.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa