How little can you exercise and still receive benefits?

Sitting for long hours can elevate post-meal blood fat levels (triglycerides), a risk factor for heart disease. A small study tested whether hourly 4-second intense cycling sprints could improve this (Wolfe AS, et.al.,2020).

Eight participants, four men and four women, took part in two trials involving 8 hours of sitting, with one trial including five brief sprints every hour.

The results showed no changes in blood sugar or insulin levels, but a 31% decrease in triglycerides and a 43% increase in fat burning was found with the sprints. This indicates that very short exercise bursts can significantly benefit fat metabolism and health.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32936598/

Youtube Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/K1l0wEWDSQg?feature=share

Anthony S Wolfe 1, Heath M Burton, Emre Vardarli, Edward F Coyle. Hourly 4-s Sprints Prevent Impairment of Postprandial Fat Metabolism from Inactivity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020 Oct;52(10):2262- 2269.