September 6, 2022
A Little Dab Will Do You
New research shows shorter, frequent workouts may benefit you more than one monster exercise session.
And that trying to "make up" time in the gym? It may not matter.
What To Know
New Study:
“People think they have to do a lengthy session of resistance training in the gym, but that’s not the case."
Exercise and Sports Science Professor Ken Nosaka, who helped lead the study, on the key takeaways of his research. Those with lower repetitions more regularly saw greater strength and muscle growth vs. those who did one longer, more intense workout with higher reps. Professor Nosaka said this research shows trying to “make up” for missed workouts with longer workouts (trying to get more minutes in the gym) isn’t as effective as small movements more frequently.
Why It Matters:
The researchers limited this to biceps, but believe other muscle groups would show similar results.
The CDC says less than 1 in 4 Americans get the recommended daily amounts of strengthening and aerobic exercise. Repeated research shows exercise reduces the potential for severe impact of infection and disease, including COVID-19.
Data from the CDC on Exercise or Physical Activity
Press Release on the Study: Exercise answer: Research shows it’s how often you do it, not how much
Here’s the study: Greater effects by performing a small number of eccentric contractions daily than a larger number of them once a week (Wiley Online Library)
Here’s how often you should exercise (The Hill)
2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week linked to reduced risk of COVID-19 (Medical News Today)
by Jenna Lee,
