Short and sharp: the best way to exercise (as long as you’re young)

In one of my previous blogs I talked about how much exercise you have to do if you were female and post menopausal. That was somewhat depressing since I fall into that category. However, for those of you who are young you may find that you can be be effective even in short durations.

For those that are young and healthy …What’s the best type of exercise? For those who have limited time on their hands, it’s good news – because the most effective way to get fit is by short and sharp training bursts. Ten one-minute sprints on a training bike achieve as much as hours of strenuous ‘slogging’, researchers from the McMaster University in Canada have discovered. The key is little and often, and to take rests between bursts of activity, says lead researcher Martin Gibala. However, he warns that the short and sharp approach is ideal for younger people; if you are older, less fit or overweight, the standard approach of moderate and lengthy exercise is still the safer option. (Source: Journal of Physiology, 2010; doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.181743).

Editor’s Note: Shaklee has a product called  Shaklee Energy Chews that have been used by many athletes on the US snow boarding team for endurance and focus. Energy chews  are 75% organic and contain scientifically proven ingredients that work: L-theanine and L-tyrosine to help promote focus and alertness, energy-releasing B vitamins, natural caffeine from green tea, and vitamin D. And there are no artificial flavors, sweeteners or added preservatives you’ll find in other energy products.