Just two minutes of intense workout twice a week could keep heart attack and stroke at bay for adults above 60, a new research shows.
"Two minutes is all you need. It is quick and easy... You can do a little where you give your all-out effort for a minute, broken into small intervals. You get big improvements and you don't need to do it every day, just once or twice a week," said Lead researcher Dr John Babraj from Abertay University in Dundee, reports the Daily Express.
The scientist at Abertay University observed a group of pensioners in an intense exercise program to assess the impact on their general health. The participant s were divided into two groups with one acting as control. The exercise group underwent intense twice weekly exercise regime for six weeks. The exercise consisted of a short sprints on a stationary bike with intervals. The duration was progressively increased from half a minute to a full minute sprint.
.According to the study researchers, the short duration exercises does not consume time and rather is beneficial for older adults as it reduces the chances of blood pressure and enhances performance in routine tasks.
Dr Babraj explained that as people put their maximum effort, whatever speed that happens to be, it would improve their health.
The research showed that the functional capacity and the ability of those doing the High Intensity Training to get up from a chair or walk six meters, drastically improved by 15 to 20 percent.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said that there are various studies showing the benefits of working out; however, it is important to find the right kind of exercise for older adults, so they should consult their general practitioner.
Researchers also say that people should engage more in muscle-strengthening activities for only 2 or more days a week. The targets should be all major muscle groups such as legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms.
A recent study about exercise showed that rehabilitation programs that include working out, nutritional counseling and symptom management have positive effect on cancer patients.
The current study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
