5 minutes of exercise a day can be beneficial, experts claim
| Jul 9, 2019, 14:05 IST
Quickie workouts as shorts as five minutes can be effective and beneficial for our health, according to a new study conducted by a team from the University of Utah. The findings suggest a little bit of exercise really does go along way.
Researchers discovered women who perform high-intensity activities daily had a noticeable reduction in their body mass index (BMI) compared to those in the control group. The team also found women who exercised for this short but intensive session were able to lose half a pound more than those in the control group. The team found the results were similar for men as well. The group that regularly worked out for these short periods daily also had a reduced risk of becoming obese. The findings suggest ramping up the intensity levels of the workout instead of exercising for long periods of time.
Previous research, published in the journal Obesity, has also discovered the benefits one can obtain from short bursts of activity. For the study, researchers divided a group of obese participants into two groups. Group one had to do one hour of physical activity daily. The second group did 12 sessions of five-minute workouts. The results were similar for both groups. All participants were found to have the same amount of protein that helped them to feel full for longer.
If you think you can't spare five minutes to work out, think again. There are plenty of opportunities to squeeze in a quick workout to gain the benefits.
Here are a few ways to find time in your day to exercise:
* Perform jumping jacks or pushups while you watch TV during a commercial.
* Exercise while you go about doing your daily tasks like washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. Get some movement going instead of standing still.
* Motivate yourself to workout by using your phone to set a reminder.
* Take a short walk during your lunch break.
* Complete your errands by walking around to get them done, instead of driving or taking public transport.
Whatever you decide, find a routine that works for you so you can stick to it.
Researchers discovered women who perform high-intensity activities daily had a noticeable reduction in their body mass index (BMI) compared to those in the control group. The team also found women who exercised for this short but intensive session were able to lose half a pound more than those in the control group. The team found the results were similar for men as well. The group that regularly worked out for these short periods daily also had a reduced risk of becoming obese. The findings suggest ramping up the intensity levels of the workout instead of exercising for long periods of time.
Previous research, published in the journal Obesity, has also discovered the benefits one can obtain from short bursts of activity. For the study, researchers divided a group of obese participants into two groups. Group one had to do one hour of physical activity daily. The second group did 12 sessions of five-minute workouts. The results were similar for both groups. All participants were found to have the same amount of protein that helped them to feel full for longer.
If you think you can't spare five minutes to work out, think again. There are plenty of opportunities to squeeze in a quick workout to gain the benefits.
Here are a few ways to find time in your day to exercise:
* Perform jumping jacks or pushups while you watch TV during a commercial.
* Exercise while you go about doing your daily tasks like washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. Get some movement going instead of standing still.
* Motivate yourself to workout by using your phone to set a reminder.
* Take a short walk during your lunch break.
* Complete your errands by walking around to get them done, instead of driving or taking public transport.
Whatever you decide, find a routine that works for you so you can stick to it.