I just don't have the time

I don’t have time to…

In our modern, and often hectic lives, this phrase seems to be thrown around with an almost unapologetic gusto. Bleated with pride as a badge of honour; “I would, but I don’t have time to (insert task/duty or meeting).”

The funny thing about people is that they will often go to great lengths to please others, yet they have a poor habit of letting themselves down often. One of the most common ways the ‘I don’t have time to..’ phrase is utilised is when it comes to exercise. It is not always a fun task, or endeavour, and for that reason people tend to put it off as long as possible in their lives. 

There may be a solution to this personal crisis. How about an exercise regime that takes just six minutes of exercise per week. You did read that correctly, just six minutes of exercise. It should be noted at this point that the overall time needed is one hour in total per week. 

The regime is really simple, and as mentioned involves only an hour of time per week. If someone is unable to devote one hour of their life to themselves and their own health per week then this probably isn’t for them. If, however they can devote that time then read on. 

The exercise is known as HIIT or ‘High Intensity Interval Training.’ The task itself involves doing just thirty seconds of highly intense exercise, and coupling it with a rest period, and repeating the process. For this exercise, you can use an exercise bike, a rowing machine, or just a patch of ground to run on. 

Due to the high intensity of the exercise, be sure to stretch prior to attempting any of this. It should also be pointed out at this stage that this should not be deemed as health advice, and appropriate medical advice should be sought before attempting any of the exercises mentioned. 

We’ll use the exercise bike as the example on this occasion, but you can use anything that elevates your heart rate close to its maximum.  First, start off on the bike with minimal resistance for two minutes, then crank the resistance up close to your maximum, and pedal as fast and as hard as you can for thirty seconds. Once your thirty seconds is up, take the resistance off and get your breath back for two minutes, then thirty seconds at your maximum once again. 

 

Repeat this process four times. That’s only two minutes of intense exercise. Do this three times a week and you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

There has been over two hundred studies conducted in the last decade that shows doing high intensity exercise has huge health benefits. Everything from lowering blood pressure, to even decreasing the risk of certain cancers and preventing diabetes. It also significantly lowers body fat.

Check out some further info here: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4319131.htm

 

Whilst committing to any exercise regime can be a daunting prospect, doing a mere six minutes per week shouldn’t be too arduous. Good luck!