by Clarissa Hartley

Have you ever wondered if shorter workouts are as beneficial as longer ones? Science provides a resounding ‘Yes!’ While many people may assume that only lengthy gym sessions yield results, the truth is significantly more nuanced.

The allure of a new fitness regime may fade when that investment of an hour or two each day begins to take its toll on both personal and family time. This scheduling struggle is often what leads to an abandon exercise routine, especially when there is a perception that only long workout sessions can help get you in shape.

The argument against short exercises being effective is uninformed. The consensus in scientific circles corroborates their efficiency in terms of achieving result. Not only are they more manageable for our hectic schedules, but the ease of integrating a 15 or 20-minute workout routine into your day means it’s more likely you’ll stick to it. After all, a shorter workout demands less from your daily routine, and enhances the likelihood that it will not encroach upon other areas of your life.

A study published in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal validated the power of quick, high-intensity workouts. This study found that even a short seven-minute workout delivers benefits similar to a longer session. The Centre for Disease Control & Prevention’s research further supports this. The ability to spread short workout periods throughout your day, such as dedicating 15 minutes to weights and another 15 minutes to brisk walks or jogging, delivers equivalent results to combining both sessions at one go.

Quick workouts not only practical but can also boost focus. Knowing that you only have a 15 or 20-minute workout would naturally discourage unnecessary distractions or extended rest periods. This time-consciousness translates to intensified workouts and, indirectly, higher overall calorie burn.

Recognising the effectiveness of such concise sessions, many fitness clubs now offer shorter exercise classes. These classes aim to increase fitness and accelerate fat loss within a compact time frame. To ensure the effectiveness of these short workouts, make a point to warm up adequately before fully plunging in to avoid injury risks.

Although the concerns and doubts about the effectiveness of short workouts may linger, the fitness community offers robust evidence and testimonials to quell these apprehensions. Ultimately, consistency is key. Ensuring you follow the schedule stringently is what will tip the scales in your favour.

Many benefits can be gleaned from a full-body workout achieved within a brief timeframe. Incorporate high-intensity exercises strategically into your workout plan for maximum effectiveness. However, exercise selection and performing them correctly are equally important to mitigate injury risks.

Pairing your planned and consistent 10-minute daily sessions with a balanced diet and you’ll have a winning combination that aids in weight management. Choose the workout methods that best accommodate your schedule and personal style, be it yoga, strength training, high-intensity or low-intensity interval training, swimming, or walking.

Recognise your bodily and mental needs and let them guide your session choices. If you’re feeling anxious or unsettled, 10 minutes of breathing exercises can help recalibrate your nervous system. If there’s a major event, a short meditation session can help clear your head and enhance focus.

Consider the following short workout plan as a starter guide. Begin with squats, press-ups, shoulder presses, bench dips, followed by abdominal crunches. Each exercise run for about 45 seconds, followed by a brief 15-second rest before moving to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit two to three times, depending on the amount of time you have.

Diving into the realm of short workouts provides an effective alternative for those who struggle with finding time for long workout sessions. Opting for a shorter, more intense workout can be quite efficient and equally beneficial, launching you towards your fitness goals at double speed.

keywords: short workouts, fitness, health, exercise regime, gym, workout sessions, high-intensity workouts, managing weight, full-body workout, consistency, yoga, strength training, interval training