Short Bursts of exercise Can yield Same Benefits as Long Workouts, Researcher finds
Adelaide, Australia – A new approach to fitness championed by University of South Australia training researcher Hunter Bennett suggests that squeezing short, intense exercise “micro-workouts” into daily routines can deliver comparable health benefits to traditional, longer gym sessions. The findings offer a practical solution for individuals struggling to find time for dedicated exercise, potentially revolutionizing how people approach physical activity.
Conventional wisdom frequently enough dictates lengthy workouts are essential for critically important health gains. Though, Bennett’s research indicates that strategically dispersed bursts of activity-even just a few minutes at a time-can be remarkably effective. This is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world where time constraints are a major barrier to exercise. According to Bennett, the key lies in how these short sessions are implemented.
Speaking with Illustrerad Vetenskap, Bennett explained, “It is indeed just as effective to get in small doses of exercise during the day as it is to complete a long workout. In fact, it can even have some extra benefits.” He now shares three concrete tips, honed through his own practice and research, to maximize the impact of these micro-workouts.
First, integrate movement into existing activities. Bennett suggests utilizing moments like phone calls or brief breaks between meetings for fast bursts of activity, such as stair climbing or bodyweight exercises. Second, prioritize intensity. These short sessions should be performed at a challenging level to stimulate the same physiological responses as longer, moderate-intensity workouts. consistency is paramount. Regularly incorporating these micro-workouts throughout the day,rather than relying on sporadic efforts,is crucial for achieving lasting results.
Bennett’s approach aims to make fitness more accessible and enduring, allowing individuals to achieve significant health improvements without drastically altering their schedules or feeling overwhelmed by traditional exercise commitments.
