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Fitness-forward individuals usually have certain goals in mind for their exercise “end game.”
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Heythe more you work out, thefaster you’ll see results, right?
Are shorter workouts more effective?
When it comes toexercise, it’s all about quality, not quantity, according to recent research.
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Don’t hate the messenger, because science says so!
Keep reading to learn more.
Are shorter workouts more effective?
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This is especially true when it comes to muscle strengthening.
Now, let’s delve into the research.
Specifically, they did “maximal voluntary eccentric bicep contractions” using a machine.
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An eccentric contraction is similar to the lowering part of a bicep curl with a heavy dumbbell.
The machine recorded the muscle strength of every single muscle contraction.
Participants in the research were required to perform at their highest level for the one exercise.
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Group #1 performed 30 contractions each week; six per day for five days a week.
The results after four weeks' time?
Group #2 performed 30 contractions per week, completing all prescribed contractions in one day per week.
After the four-week time period was up, this group did not experience a rise in muscle strength.
However, their muscle thickness increased by 5.8%.
Group #3 performed six contractions, completing all prescribed contractions in one day per week.
After four weeks, there was no change for these participants in either muscle thickness or strength.
Muscle strength is important to our health.
This could help prevent a decrease in muscle mass and strength with [aging]."
He stresses the importance of taking breaks in any exercise routine.
