One Minute of Workout Twice a Week can Boost Health of the Elderly

Pensioners’ can dramatically boost their health and enthusiasm by doing just one minute of intense work out twice a week, says a new study. The study found that in just six weeks the physical fitness of older people enhanced significantly and blood pressure became low.    
Partakers in the study were put through an exercise regime involving two parts of high-intensity training a week, with six-second sprints on an exercise bike.

That was the first time that the effect of high-intensity training (HIT) on the health of pensioners had been tested, said scientists at Abertay University in Dundee

They strongly believe the regime could provide an alternative to the current exercise guidelines for older people, which many find difficult to follow.

Scientists said that the study - which involves doing just one minute of exercise twice a week – not only improved the participants' physical health and ability to do things, but also their perceptions of their own ability to engage in physical activity

"They enjoyed it, were delighted with the effects it had on their health and, on top of that, felt they could fit it into their lives, which is something they aren't able to do with current exercise recommendations,” said Dr John Babraj of the university.

He also said that HIT is an achievable alternative that could make a real difference to people's health and their quality of life.

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"When it comes to the sprints, you don't have to go at the speed of Usain Bolt. As long as you are putting in your maximal effort - whatever speed that happens to be - it will improve your health,” he added.

However, he noted that people should consult their doctor before starting any high-intensity training in case there are any underlying health-issues that need to be identified.

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Source-Medindia