New Study Shows Fewer Workouts Can Still Boost Fitness
As we all know, finding time to fit in regular workouts can be a challenge, especially for those with busy schedules. Whether you’re a working professional, a student, or a parent, it can be difficult to carve out hours each week to dedicate to exercise. But fear not, fitness enthusiasts! A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports has some exciting news for you.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, found that doing just two longer workouts a week can boost cardiorespiratory fitness just as much as four shorter sessions, if the total time and intensity are equal. This means that busy individuals can still achieve their fitness goals without sacrificing precious time or energy.
The study, which was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, involved 12 healthy, but moderately inactive adults who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group, known as the “long-duration” group, participated in two 45-minute workouts per week, while the second group, known as the “short-duration” group, participated in four 22-minute workouts per week. Both groups were required to perform exercises at the same intensity level, with their workouts consisting of a mix of aerobic exercise, such as jogging or cycling, and strength training.
After six weeks of training, the researchers found that both groups had improved their cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by their maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). However, the long-duration group had achieved this improvement with significantly less effort and time commitment.
“This study shows that you don’t necessarily need to do a lot of workouts to get fit,” said Dr. Martin Gibala, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Colorado Boulder and the study’s lead author. “As long as you’re doing the right kind of exercise and you’re doing it with the right intensity, you can get the benefits you’re looking for with fewer sessions.”
So, what does this mean for busy individuals who want to fit in regular exercise? It means that you don’t have to sacrifice your precious time or energy to achieve your fitness goals. By focusing on fewer, longer workouts, you can still boost your cardiorespiratory fitness and improve your overall health and well-being.
Of course, it’s worth noting that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a fitness expert to determine the best workout plan for your individual needs and goals. But for those who are looking for a flexible, time-efficient training option, this study offers some exciting news.
As Dr. Gibala noted, “This study shows that you can get the benefits of exercise with fewer sessions, which is great news for people who are busy or have limited time. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing better.”
In conclusion, the study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports offers some exciting news for busy individuals who want to fit in regular exercise. By doing just two longer workouts a week, you can boost your cardiorespiratory fitness just as much as four shorter sessions, if the total time and intensity are equal. This flexible, time-efficient training option can be a game-changer for those who are looking to improve their overall health and well-being without sacrificing precious time or energy.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/can-fewer-sessions-still-boost-fitness
