News: Exercise harder, not longer, for best results

Ever used the excuse that a workout’s just not worth it if you can’t commit to a full hour (or even a half hour)? Thanks to a new study, that excuse is no longer a good one.

Research published in the online journal BMJ Open indicates that short spurts of activity, such as brisk walking and jogging, are more effective at combatting metabolic syndrome than an hour’s daily walk. Turns out, fast walking could cut your risk of developing metabolic syndrome by half, while jogging reduced the risk by 40 percent. Surprisingly, an hour’s walk each day made no difference in reducing the likelihood you’ll develop the syndrome.

“Our results confirm the role of physical activity in reducing [metabolic syndrome] risk and suggest that intensity rather than volume of physical activity is important,” the study’s authors conclude.

This is good news for those who are often short on time (like myself!). Working out intensely for just 10 minutes at a time each day should be enough to make a difference in your overall health. And, if you’re just starting to work out regularly, it’s a lot easier to commit to a 10 minute workout than an hour-long one. Check out one of our 10-Minute Tuneups workout videos for some fitness inspiration!

How long are your workouts usually? Do you prefer to spend time exercising throughout the day or all at once?

Related:
‘ 10-Minute Tuneups: Power Workout video
‘ A healthy you in minutes a day
‘ Quiz: What type of fitness is best for you?