Not having enough time to exercise might not be a valid excuse anymore, according to new research by Canadian scientists.@@But what do Canadians know?@@
In a study published last month in The Journal of Physiology@@http://jp.physoc.org/@@, researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada,@@http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/6/1011@@ found that people who engage in interval training benefit as much as people who exercise for longer periods of time. The study even found that low- to moderate-intensity interval training can benefit cardiovascular health. Intervals are short, high-intensity exercises that are repeated with breaks in between.
The researchers developed a routine of high-intensity interval training consisting of one minute of strenuous activity, followed by a one-minute break. Healthy, middle-aged adults, along with older adults who had been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, practiced the training for several weeks. The researchers found that when participants repeated that routine 10 times twice a week for a total of 40 minutes of exercise, their health and fitness ability benefited just as much as someone who exercised for longer.
“A lot of the work on interval training is focused on aerobic function and cardiovascular fitness,” University human physiology professor John Halliwill said@@http://directory.uoregon.edu/telecom/directory.jsp?p=findpeople%2Ffind_results&m=staff&d=person&b=name&s=John+Halliwill@@. “Interval training has shown some specific cardiovascular benefits.”
Chantelle Russell@@http://directory.uoregon.edu/telecom/directory.jsp?p=findpeople%2Ffind_results&m=staff&d=person&b=name&s=Chantelle+Russell@@, University assistant director for fitness, said that in addition to health benefits, interval training is a good option for people looking for a quick workout.
“Today, based on our activities of daily life, work atmosphere, technology and other conveniences, we need to be intentional about the physical activity we incorporate into our lives,” Russell said. “High-intensity intervals are shorter workouts, which is one of the most appealing aspects, and they can be challenging, which makes it fun.”
Russell said the American College of Sports Medicine@@http://www.acsm.org/@@ recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which translates to exercising for 30 to 60 minutes five times a week. The Student Recreation Center and the University offer 50-minute, high-intensity interval training classes, such as running, group cycling and boot camps.
“Research shows the benefits of high-intensity interval training,” Russell said. “I encourage people to give it a try.”