I believe the 20 minute workout is virtually worthless. How do I know this? I don’t really but common sense tells me it’s simply not enough time to get in shape. That it is just another gimmick to try to push people into working out when they would rather spend time doing other things.

There are a ton of books, DVDs and articles written about how to make the most of your workout time when you don’t have any time. To me one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to keep your body in good shape. So find adequate time. Don’t simply fit a workout in. Your body needs more than a daily 20 minute workout.

How many gyms have a 20 minute workout class? Not many I suspect. Aren’t most of them 45 minutes to an hour? When you join some sort of health fitness challenge at your gym, don’t they always require you do some sort of physical fitness for at least 45 minutes? There is a reason for this. Rigorous exercise should be performed for over 45 minutes. It’s hard. It’s tough. It takes time. It can suck. But that is how you will lose weight and get in shape. I’m sorry but that’s just the way it shakes out.

The only 20 minute workout that I can see beneficial is maybe doing some Pilates or Yoga during that time. Maybe the 20 minutes can be part of a greater workout. 20 minutes working out your upper body then 20 minutes working out your lower body. But a full body 20 minute workout or cardio conditioning is just not long enough. OK, anything is better than nothing, but to get fit and get in shape, more time needs to be spent.

I might could relent and suggest that 20 minutes say early in the morning for an upper body workout then maybe 20 minutes later in the day for lower workout, if your time is really crunched. A 20 minute run might be adequate. That is pretty intense. You could get a 2 mile run in during that time. 20 minutes on a bike? Not so much. Although intervals can kick some butt, you still need more time for recovery between each than the 20 minutes will allow.

If all you’re allowing yourself is a 3 times a week, 20 minute workout program to get in shape, I’d suggest it won’t do much. If you have goals of defining your muscles, gaining muscle endurance and losing weight. Less is not more. More is more.

I’m suggesting the 20 minute workout to “get in shape” as not very beneficial. For toning muscles groups it can be adequate time. You won’t create much muscle endurance, but it will help fight the flab. And it can help you gain some muscle strength.

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