When first getting into exercise, it can be very intimidating to think of exercising for a long period of time – so much so that it might put some people off from exercise at all.
Anyone who's ever looked at one of the best Fitbit watches or best fitness trackers during a workout, and been shocked they've only burned 200 calories, can surely empathise.
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However, it turns out in order to get some benefits from exercise, you only have to work out for just a few minutes, according to science.
The study, conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital, found short bursts of exercise can lead to significant improvements in indicators of metabolic health. This dropped the body's glutamate levels, which is a chemical linked to heart disease, diabetes and decreased longevity, by 29%.
MGV, which is a "metabolite" chemical in the body associated with increased risk of diabetes and liver disease, dropped by 18%. The study shows even in very short periods of exercise, you can start getting healthier and decreasing your risk of heart disease and other health problems which are linked to obesity.
You can find a selection of our best short workouts below, to get started:
- Relaxing 15-minute yoga flow to enhance mindfulness and beat stress
- The 20-minute weight loss workout for every fitness level
- This home dumbbells workout takes just ten minutes to shred your abs
Another study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found running for just over 10 minutes a day, five days a week, is enough to reduce your risk of mortality from cardiovascular conditions by at least 30% compared to non-runners.
The study took place over the course of three years, but it won't take that long to make regular running a habit. Programmes like Couch to 5K are designed to slowly introduce participants to the basics of running, and help elevate your fitness to take on a 5K.
Of course, eventually, you'll want to start exercising for longer periods of time. But never fear that because you're only doing short workouts, it's of no benefit to your health and fitness.
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Skip the plank—I’m a personal trainer and these three core moves are what I’m loving right nowWorkout You need to try my new go-to alternatives
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A yoga instructor says these four moves can get rid of shoulder knots—I put them to the testFlexibility I'm a desk-job worker with very tight shoulders, but this short routine provided immediate relief
