Are shorter workouts better?

Are shorter workouts better? That is the question. So many of us assume that workouts are only worth it if we can find the time to spend hours on end at the gym every week. However, we don’t necessarily need to. Shorter workouts can be just as – if not more – effective than longer ones. You’re more likely to push yourself further when you know that you don’t have to feel the burn for too long. Personal trainer and fitness influencer Bradley Simmonds, speaker at this year’s Be:FIT festival, gives us the lowdown on how you can make the most of your shorter workouts for amazing long-term results.

High-intensity exercise is most effective

By doing 20 minutes of interval sprinting or burpees (for example 30 seconds at your fastest then 30 seconds’ rest), your heart rate increases far quicker than it does during a 40-minute steady jog. When increasing your heart rate quickly and continuously for 20 minutes, your body is burning far more calories. So, because you may only reach this heart rate level at the very end of a steady jog, you’re shifting more fat in a shorter space of time.

It can be more motivating

Knowing that you only have a short workout ahead of you is definitely more motivating than psyching yourself up for a 60-minute session. If a shorter workout means being more motivated, then you’re more likely to give it 110 per cent. However, you have to remember to give it this amount of effort – the workout is only more effective if you work at a higher intensity!

It’s a summer body quick-fix

If you’ve left it to the last minute to sort out your summer body (like most people do), don’t panic. Short but regular high-intensity workouts can provide quick and effective results. Just fit in at least six times shorter sessions a week for maximum results.

It is more convenient for those with busy schedules

It’s simple really. Everyone is super busy and we hear the excuse, “I’m too busy for the gym” so often. If you can’t fit a short 20-25-minute workout into your day, then you may want to reconsider your lifestyle. A 20-minute workout is better than nothing!

You keep a stable appetite

When you work out for hours, not only will your appetite grow in order to make up for all the energy lost during your workout, but you’ll also put yourself at risk of letting your mind go into an “I deserve this” mode. When doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), even though you have to work as hard as humanly possible, you’re keeping it short and sweet – so you don’t get the same urge to eat everything in sight afterwards.

Be:FIT is a three day celebration taking place this year on 28-30 April in Islington, London. The festival will consist of a collection of motivational talks from top fitness influencers, including Bradley Simmonds. You will also be able to have sports and body treatments, shop for the latest health and fitness must-haves and take part in classes with Barry’s Bootcamp, BLOK London and Another _Space.

Click the link to find out more: befitlondon.com