Working out isn’t always easy, but it’s something that our bodies will thank us for in the long run. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. With that said, it’s not healthy to be hitting the gym for hours at a time every single day. Here are a few reasons why shorter workouts might be the way to go.
You Don’t Overdo It
Our bodies can do some pretty amazing things, but they also need time to rest. Some signs that you’re overdoing your workouts include fatigue, sore muscles, heavy limbs, injury, loss of motivation, and weakened immune system. Keeping workouts short prevents you from overdoing it, ensuring you exercise appropriately without negatively impacting your body.
You’re Less Likely to Skip the Workout Altogether
Building a workout into your daily routine is a challenge, especially if it takes a significant chunk of time out of your day. And if you have a busy schedule, you’re far more likely to skip a longer workout than a shorter one, which will be less of a burden on your free time.
They’re More Dynamic
Despite what some people think, many short workouts are more dynamic, meaning they work multiple muscle groups simultaneously to give you the most bang for your buck. While longer workouts tend to focus on a single (or two) muscle groups at a time, shorter workouts typically include squeezing as much as possible into a single move.
You Can Kick Up The Intensity
Just as you can fit more muscle groups into a shorter workout, you can increase the intensity of a shorter workout. A super-intense 90-minute exercise class can leave you feeling exhausted. However, a 10-minute workout is likely to leave you feeling more energized.
Burnout Is Less Likely
During longer workouts, many people need a break halfway through to rest a muscle group before continuing. With shorter workouts, you’re less likely to experience that burnout, which means you’ll get the full benefit of every move.
The Bottom Line
When you keep your workouts short, sweet, and to the point, you’re more likely to stick with them and get more enjoyment and benefit out of your exercise routine.