August 2005

‘Quickie’ workout programs promise too much

Are “quickie” workouts good for your patients? According to the September issue of the Harvard Health Letter, from Harvard Medical School, these workouts that are popular in some chain gyms, are better than nothing, but people need much more exercise than any of these programs recommend.

Some of these “no-sweat” workouts focus solely on strength training, skimping on aerobic activity and stretching to save time, according to the newsletter. Aerobic exercise, which raises the heart rate and improves cardiovascular health, has proven long-term payoffs. According to the publication, a workout routine that doesn’t include aerobic exercise is sorely lacking.

While these quickie workouts are shortcuts that most Americans can’t afford to take, the Harvard Health Letter acknowledges that brief bouts of activity like the ones promoted by these centers and books may be worthwhile for some, saying that a little exercise is better than none.

Source: Harvard Health Publications, www.health.harvard.edu

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