Low and slow
There are plenty of days where I'm so tired by the time I leave work that I just don't feel like exercising. But somewhere along the line I read that it's always a good idea to try for at least 20 minutes before deciding to throw in the towel. Usually, by the time you've made it through 20 minutes, another 25 seems manageable. But according to a new study from the University of Georgia, even if you do only make it through that initial 20 minutes, you'll still make a huge impact on your energy levels. The researchers looked at 36 people who didn't exercise on a regular basis and reported persistent fatigue. They divided the volunteers into three groups. The first group was instructed to exercise at moderate intensity for 20 minutes three times a week. The second group was told to exercise at low intensity for 20 minutes three times a week. And the third group didn't add any exercise to their normal routine. After six weeks, both the groups that added three short exercise sessions to their normal routines each week reported feeling significantly less fatigued. But in a surprising twist, the group that did the low-intensity exercising actually fared even better than the moderate-intensity group: Their fatigue plummeted by 65 percent, versus just 49 percent in the moderate-intensity group. The researchers classified the intensity levels by referring to low-intensity as an easy, leisurely walk on flat terrain and moderate-intensity as a brisk, fast-paced walk on terrain that includes some hills. This study is more good news for those of you who aren't yet sold on the idea of regular exercise or feel like you're too tired or don't have the time: Once again, research shows that even a little bit can go a long way in improving your health -- and your energy levels. Source: "Low-intensity exercise reduces fatigue symptoms by 65 percent, study finds," ScienceDaily (www.sciencedaily.com), 3/2/08 | 
