Basic Pursuits

In the "keep is simple" department by way of "stuff I thought but couldn't prove" department, here is "proof" that short but intense exercise sessions are really good for you.

"Rigorous exercise of short duration can significantly affect the body's ability to process sugars and fight diabetes..." said WebMD citing a new study.

Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Many people feel they simply don't have the time to follow current exercise guidelines, and that's unfortunate, he says, because his team found that "doing a few intense muscle exercises, each lasting only about 30 seconds, dramatically improves your metabolism in just two weeks." Current recommendations include 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity a week.

Author and coach Eddie Lomax who specializes high intensity workouts, explains,

...instead of increasing the time at the same pace… increase the pace. So now you are running faster and longer in the same time. This is improvement. Eventually, you will reach a point where you are running your max output for that time period. This is where Intervals come in. Intervals are high intensity for short periods of time with either complete rest or reduced activity in between. When you add up all the short bursts, they equal a higher intensity than you could have achieved otherwise without the rest periods.

So don't feel bad if you aren't spending half a day in the gym or running 12 miles. Short intense workouts can do you just as much good.

For my money, the best way to frame a short program is with Tabata intervals. One interval = work for 20 seconds; rest for 10 seconds. A whole set is just eight intervals or four minutes! Tabata info.

Brief, Rigorous Eercise Cuts Diabetes Risk - WebMD

Interview with Eddie Lomax - Shah Training