I don't love exercise. But I try to do it because I feel it is good for me. And sometimes I even enjoy it. I do think diet is more important to good health than exercise, but it's obvious the body is certainly meant to move too.
Though I'll never be one of those people lined up on treadmills at the gym. I much prefer being outdoors. (And some people feel the issue of natural light vs. fluorescent light has an important effect on our well-being.) From older people (older than me, that is) I've observed, it appears that just staying active in day to day life is key. I'm less sure about super intense, long exercise. Well I needn't worry about that, because that would never be me anyway.
But today I read something intriguing, that perhaps could be me. The benefits of super short but very intense exercise. I had heard of the benefits of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) before, but never was inclined to try it. But just ONE MINUTE (in 20 second segments) of intense exercise in a ten minute workout! I could probably get behind that. Although for older people like myself, I'd worry that this could be a formula for injury...or worse. Still, I might give it a try.
I remember my Dad used to say, look at the animals, the lions and tigers - you don't see them jogging hour after hour. Short bursts of speed interspersed with long periods of rest, is their modus operandi. I'm good at the long periods of rest.
But what I'd really like to know, as one commenter asked: Does it work if I just think about exercising for 20 seconds at a time?
I tried it today! While out walking, I ran as fast as I could (which wasn't ultra fast - but I tried to envision myself being chased and trying to get away) - and timed 20 seconds on my phone stopwatch. I did this twice within a few minutes. It didn't seem too bad, 20 seconds is really short. I didn't notice any injuries though my left hip twinged just a bit. Of course the real test will be how sore I feel tomorrow!
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