More time exercising is better, right?

No, and I have proof.

You’ve heard of High Intensity Interval Training by now, yes?  Studies show that exercise at high intensities for less amount of time has a greater effect on body fat loss.

My clients ask me how many hours a week I exercise to stay lean and my response is always the same.  I exercise at a high intensity for a total of 2 hours/week.  I also lead a very active lifestyle.  My work requires a lot of standing and moving around, my family and I choose to live in walking distance to most places we need to be, and efforts are made for purposeful activities on weekends such as long walks with our dog, bike riding, hiking, etc..

Is 2 hours of high intensity exercise per week enough for you to lose body fat?  My 30 minute personal training client, Christie is definite proof that it’s effective for her:

“Ive been working out for 14 years, and this is probably the most fit that I have ever felt or looked.  My trouble areas like my upper body which have never been toned are finally toned ever since I have been working with Jill.  I see shape and muscle definition and just feel stronger.  My abs which never had definition in my whole life now have definition and that’s exciting!  It’s because I like to keep coming back every week.  It is the most regular I have ever been on a workout program with any thing or anybody because she keeps it different and interesting.  She knows that time is a premium for me so she really packs a lot into that half hour to make it worth my time to get energy and get success with the workouts.”  ~ Christie Dzubiek

Try it for yourself.

Purposefully exercise with high intensity intervals 4 days a week, at 20-30 minutes at a time for 6 weeks.  Here is a quick circuit to get you started.*  Set a timer for 20 minutes (or watch the clock) and record how many rounds you fit in:

80 Jump Rope Revolutions

20 Front Lunges

15 Squats

10 Push Ups

REPEAT for 20 mins

*A combination of free weight exercises and cardio exercises help you to preserve lean tissue and burn the most body fat.  So grab a medium to heavy pair of dumbbells for the above exercises for more intensity & results.

Strength & Love,

P.S. there is way more to this subject than meets the eye.  For example, exercising for longer than 60 minutes can elevate stress hormones in your body which can ultimately cause you to hold on to body fat.  Stick to what works for most people losing body fat and as always, test it for yourself before you subscribe to anything.

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