Are Short workouts effective? You bet they are! In fact, many people find that shorter workouts yield better results than longer ones. This could be for several reasons- perhaps we are getting more efficient with our time, or maybe HIIT and Tabata-style workouts are just plain more effective. Whatever the reason, short workouts are here to stay. This blog post will look at some examples of short but effective workouts and explore why they might be better than traditional hour-long sessions at the gym.
Why are short Hiit workouts effective?
One reason that Short workouts might be more effective is that they are typically more intense. We tend to push ourselves harder when we know that the end is in sight, leading to better results. In addition, HIIT and Tabata-style workouts are particularly effective at burning fat and improving cardiovascular health. So if you’re looking for a workout that will get you results, a short and sweet session might be just what you need.
Another benefit of shorter workouts is that they are more manageable for busy people. It
can be tough to find an hour to head to the gym, but most of us can squeeze in 20-30 minutes, even on a busy day. This makes it easier to fit exercise into our schedules and helps us stay on track with our fitness goals.
Finally, short workouts are just more fun! When you only have a short amount of time to work out, you’re less likely to get bored and more likely to stick with it. You can mix up your routine and try new things, knowing that you don’t have to do them for hours.
So if you’re looking for an effective workout that won’t take up all your free time, a short workout might be the perfect solution. Give one of these examples a try and see for yourself!
-20 minutes of HIIT on the treadmill
-15 minutes of squats, lunges, and push-ups
–20 minute Tabata workout on the elliptical machine
-A CrossFit WOD that is less than 20 minutes long!
Are we sure they are effective? Why do people think differently?
Not everyone is convinced that short and effective workouts are the way to go. Some people argue that you need to spend at least an hour at the gym to see results. Others believe that shorter workouts are less effective because they don’t allow enough time to build muscle. And still, others think that we are just too busy to fit in a proper workout, so we settle for shorter ones because they are all we can manage.
So what’s the verdict? Are short workouts effective? It seems that the jury is still out on this one. However, plenty of evidence suggests that they can be just as effective as longer workouts, if not more so. So if you’re looking to get fit and don’t have hours to spend at the gym, give a short workout a try- you might be surprised at the results!
8 Examples of why Short workouts are effective
#1 – 20 minutes of HIIT on the treadmill
Warm-up for five minutes, then do 20 minutes of high-intensity interval training. Alternate 30 seconds of all-out effort with 60 seconds of recovery.
#2 – 15 minutes of squats, lunges, push-ups, burpees and jumping jacks
How to: Do as many reps as you can in 15 minutes or perform as many as you can for 30 seconds, then swap to the next, e.g. 30 seconds air squat, 30 seconds lunges without a pause between sets.
#3 – 20 minute Tabata workout
How to: Warm up for two minutes, then do 20 minutes of Tabata intervals. This is done by alternating 20 seconds of all-out effort with ten seconds of rest for eight rounds. Example Tabata exercises: sprinting, push-ups, sit-ups, squat jumps.
Why not use our Free Tabata timer ?
#4 – A CrossFit WOD that is less than 20 minutes long!
CrossFit workouts are typically shorter than traditional gym workouts, but they are still effective. You can find a CrossFit WOD suitable for your level and abilities on the CrossFit website or choose from one of the “Girls” or maybe a “Hero workout”. Crossfit is a high-intensity workout, so it may be best to stick with a WOD that is less than 20 minutes long if you are just starting out.
#5 – A 15 minute home workout routine
If you don’t have time to go to the gym, there are plenty of short effective workouts that you can do at home.
Do each exercise for one minute, then move on to the next. Repeat the entire circuit three times.
-Jumping jacks
-Push-ups
-Sit-ups
-Squats
-Jumping lunges
#6 – A Yoga routine that lasts for 20 minutes or less
Yoga is a great way to work out without feeling like you’re actually working out. There are plenty of yoga routines that last for 20 minutes or less. Choose one that fits your level and abilities. For instance, this 20-minute yoga routine from Yoga Journal is an excellent option for beginners.
#7 – A HIIT circuit that includes sprints, burpees, and jump squats.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for short, effective workouts. So if you’re looking to get fit without spending hours at the gym, give one of these a try! You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just a short amount of time.
#8 – A Pilates routine
Pilates is another great option for a shorter, effective workout. This 20-minute Pilates routine from Fitness Blender is an excellent place to start. It includes exercises that will work your entire body and help you burn calories and tone up in just 20 minutes!
Conclusion
So, are short workouts effective? The answer seems to be yes- they can be just as effective as longer workouts, if not more so. So if you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to get fit, give one of these effective short workouts a try! You might be surprised by the results.
Owner and author at shortandintense.com , 25 years as a quality and health and safety professional with an in-depth knowledge of functional and corrective exercises. IHoS registered,lead auditor, personal trainer and human movement specialist.