Short duration workouts, such as 10 to 20-minute sessions, offer an abundance of health benefits! Whether you are looking for something time efficient or you have a specific fitness goal in mind, shorter workouts may be just what you need. One of my top favorites on the list is that they help build a daily, healthy habit while allowing the body to adjust to movement and exercise, especially if you are a beginner or just coming back to a fitness routine. I also believe that some movement is better than no movement, so it is a great way to relieve stress and feel great, accomplished and positive in a short amount of time! Here are some of advantages of shorter duration workouts:
- Time efficiency: Short workouts can be completed in a relatively brief period, making them more manageable to fit into a busy day. This can help to stay consistent with an exercise routine and overcome time constraints.
- Improved adherence: Because short workouts require less time commitment, people are more likely to stick to their fitness routine. Consistency is essential for achieving long-term fitness goals, and shorter workouts can help maintain this consistency and build a healthy habit!
- Increased intensity: Short duration workouts often involve high-intensity exercises or interval training, which can lead to improved cardiovascular fitness and greater calorie burn in a shorter amount of time.
- Effective fat burning: If you choose to do a (HIIT) high-intensity interval training type of workout, it can trigger the after burn effect (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption or EPOC), where the body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate after the workout, aiding in fat loss.
- Muscle toning and strength: Short workouts are great for focusing on specific muscle groups, leading to muscle toning and strength gains. These can be done with bodyweight or resistance like weights or bands!
- Convenience: Short workouts can be done almost anywhere, with minimal or no equipment required. This convenience allows individuals to exercise at home, in a hotel room while traveling, or during work breaks.
- Enhanced metabolism: Even short bursts of physical activity can temporarily boost metabolism, which can be beneficial for weight management, stabilize and balance blood sugar levels and overall energy expenditure.
- Mental benefits: Exercise, even in short durations, stimulates the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that help improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. It can be a game changer in mood and overall outlook on things. I also recommend grabbing a friend for a quick walk or workout or perhaps participating in a group session virtually or in person to feel part of a community.
- Lower risk of overtraining: Short workouts can be less taxing on the body, reducing the risk of overtraining or excessive strain on muscles and joints.
- Establishing a fitness foundation: Short workouts can serve as a stepping stone for you if you are just starting on a fitness journey or are returning after a break. They are great for gradually building stamina and confidence before progressing to longer workouts.
- Customization and variety: With shorter workouts, you can easily customize your routines to target specific fitness goals or try out different exercise styles, which helps keep workouts fresh and enjoyable.
As you can see, short duration workouts offer numerous benefits! They definitely have their place in a comprehensive workout routine, combining them with longer duration workout sessions for a well-rounded exercise regimen. It is ideal to incorporate different types of exercises including cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and mind/body for optimal health and shorter workouts are great for adding variety to your workout plan! As always, if you are just starting out or have any health concerns, consulting with your health provider is highly recommended for your safety. Working with a fitness professionals can help tailor a workout routine that suits your unique needs and goals. Please feel free to reach out to me using the contact form on the website or on messenger on socials if you have any questions or would like to train with me!
