Just one minute of exercise per week is enough to provide health benefits to people over the age of 65, according to new research.
The study, from Abertay University in Dundee, saw groups of 65 to 75-year-olds participate in either once or twice weekly training sessions for a period of 8 weeks.
Each had been living a sedentary lifestyle, and had not been taking part in regular exercise. The participants took to stationary bikes, and were asked to cycle as hard as they were able to for six seconds before resting for at least a minute.They would repeat the process – which is known as sprint interval training (SIT) – until they had exercised for a total of one minute.
Experts found that the once weekly session was enough to produce improvements in blood glucose control and general mobility. As people age, they lose the ability to take glucose out of their blood which results in insulin resistance.This can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, and problems with the heart and liver.