6 MINS Exercise Every Week As Good As 6 HRS Workout in Gym

June 12, 2005

KEEP FIT fanatics who spend hours sweating in the gym could get the

same results with SIX MINUTES of exercise in front of the TV, experts

say. They have discovered men and women who train for six hours a week

trying to get trim at the gym could do it with three workout sessions

at home - lasting just two minutes each. It is good news for couch

potatoes who hate the idea of pounding the treadmill or getting sweaty

on tough rowing machines. All that is involved is cycling on an

exercise bike at top speed for four furious 30-second bursts.

Professor Gibala, who carried out the research, said: " The whole

excuse, 'I don't have time to exercise' is directly challenged by

these findings. " This has the potential to change the way we think

about keeping fit. We have shown that a person can get the same

benefits in fitness and health in a much shorter period if they are

willing to endure the discomfort of high intensity activity. " The

study involved 23 men and women, aged between 25 and 35, who were

tested on how long it took them to ride 18.6 miles. The guinea pigs,

all of whom already exercised regularly in their spare time, were split

into three groups and given workout programmes which they had to carry

out three times a week. Group one cycled for two hours a day at a

moderate pace. Group two cycled for 10 minutes a day in 60-second

bursts, at a slightly harder pace. And group three sprinted at top

speed for two minutes in 30- second bursts with four minutes' rest

between each sprint. After two weeks, the participants retook the 18.6

mile ride. Amazingly, all 23 were found to have improved to the same

extent. Professor Gibala, of McMaster University in Ontario, Canada,

said: " We thought there would be benefits but we did not expect them

to be this obvious. " It shows how effective short, intense exercise

can be. " His findings were published in the Journal of Applied

Physiology. It is now hoped more people will be persuaded to take up

regular exercise, even if it is pedalling a fitness bike while

watching TV for a few minutes each week. Doctors are becoming

increasingly concerned over rising levels of obesity in Britain. Prof

Gibala said: " Now you can achieve more fitness with a few minutes

work. "

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