Short workouts, Big benefits

If your busy routine makes it difficult to spend hours exercising every day new research may offer an interesting perspective.

A study published in the scientific journal Cell Reports Medicine compared the effects of short high intensity exercise with longer moderate exercise.

During the study, participants completed several 30 second bursts of very fast cycling with about four minutes of rest between each session.

Intense exercise triggers more changes

Researchers found that intense exercise caused significant changes in 714 proteins in the blood.  In comparison  moderate cycling led to noticeable changes in only seven proteins.

According to the researchers the findings suggest that the body’s biological response to exercise may depend not only on how long a person exercises but also on how intensely they exercise.

Can a few minutes replace longer exercise?

The findings do not mean that a few minutes of intense exercise can completely replace longer workouts for everyone.

Experts also warn that high intensity exercise may not be suitable for all people. Those who have not exercised for a long time or have an existing medical condition should speak with a healthcare professional before starting very intense workouts.

The study highlights the possible importance of exercise intensity but more research is needed to understand its long term effects on health.