Interval Training: Fitness in 1 Hour a Week?

Brief, intense bursts of exercise may allow people to get fitter but work out less, some experts say. The Associated Press (AP) wrote February 25 about this form of exercise. It’s known as high-intensity interval training. It involves a few minutes of very strenuous exercise, followed by a few minutes of rest. Then the cycle is repeated. Experts told AP that this program could provide a week’s worth of exercise in an hour. They said intense exercise is exactly what spurs the body to build stronger muscles. Research has shown that interval training can double endurance. It also can improve oxygen use, fitness and strength, AP reported. But most research has been done on young, healthy people. Experts say people should talk to a doctor before starting a new workout program.