November 14, 2008 – No time to get enough physical activity? The solution may be to find, quite simply, the desire to play like a child.
Indeed, researchers from the University of Glamorgan1in the UK found that sprinting up to 30 seconds would be just as beneficial, if not better, than training for long periods of time, such as jogging or pedaling. This intensive form of exercise is all about giving it your all, just like kids do at recess!
According to their results, six 30-second sprints, three times a week, would have the same effect on health and weight loss as several 45-minute workouts per week.
This is good news, researchers say, as few people follow the recommendations for physical activity. However, this type of exercise has the advantage of being able to be done everywhere (by going to the metro or even by trying to catch the bus for example), without sophisticated or expensive equipment.
Intensive exercise may help some people integrate physical activity more easily into their lives, especially overweight children, the researchers say.
This type of physical activity could also prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. However, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms that provide better results in people with high blood pressure, the study authors add.
Claudia Morissette – HealthPassport.net
According to BBC news
1. Baker JS, Van Praagh E, High-intensity intermittent cycle ergometer exercise: effect of recovery duration and resistive force selection on performance, Res Sports Med. 2007 Apr-Jun; 15 (2): 77-92.
