Intensity vs. Time
Hot off the presses: another study confirming the benefits of high-intensity cardio vs. traditional, low-moderate intensity aerobics…
The usual excuse of “lack of time” for not doing enough exercise is blown away by new research published in The Journal of Physiology.
The study, from scientists at Canada’s McMaster University, adds to the growing evidence for the benefits of short term high-intensity interval training (HIT) as a time-efficient but safe alternative to traditional types of moderate long term exercise. Astonishingly, it is possible to get more by doing less!
“We have shown that interval training does not have to be ‘all out’ in order to be effective,” says Professor Martin Gibala. “Doing 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works as well in improving muscle as many hours of conventional long-term biking less strenuously.”
…To achieve the study’s equivalent results by endurance training you’d need to complete over 10 hours of continuous moderate bicycling exercise over a two-week period.
I’ve been a fan of interval training for a long time. I won’t lie: it can be grueling. But it’s also mercifully short, and – more importantly – the alternating pace makes the time seem to fly by. Whatever else it may be, it ISN”T boring.
Less time, same benefits: works for me!






