Healthy Mind-Body Exercise: Interval Training
This type of exercise also improves brain fitness.
Being physically active is what we are designed for. Unfortunately, as modern life becomes more mechanized and computerized, most people are leading lives that rarely challenges even some of the 650 muscles of the body. I recently read a book from the 1860's where the author was already lamenting the fact that people are sitting too much. I'm sure he would cringe if he saw how things have turned out.
On the bright side, there are ways to exercise in short periods while also maximizing the benefits. One example is high intensity interval training (HIIT), which has been an essential part of training for elite athletes for decades. In fact, even during my rowing days over 30 years ago, this was a key part of our strengthening and conditioning.
The principle is quite simple: short bursts of intensive exercise, mixed with longer periods of moderate exercise. By increasing the intensity in short intervals, this allows you to also shorten the total time that you are exercising. The type of exercise depends on your preference and your fitness level, but it could be as simple as alternating between brisk walking and sprinting, or even just marching in place. There are also many other basic bodyweight routines available and for all fitness levels (see example below).
Interval training is a great way to get the most out of limited time, engage the mind, burns fat faster, gets your spinal column in motion, which also effectively activates the brain, and makes exercising more interesting. So stay active and enjoy the mind and body benefits.
by Dr SJ NANA, DrNana.co.za
For more information:
The 1-minute workout: How to get fit in 60 seconds — McMaster study
Interval Training Burns More Fat, Increases Fitness, Study Finds
Understanding the strong link between high intensity interval training and brain function
Sprinting Benefits - The Health & Performance Benefits Of Sprinting
Video: Science Says 1 Minute of this Exercise is = to 45 min. of Jogging
See my previous articles related to this topic:
