THE FIRST 20 MINUTES by GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

I'm a firm believer in the benefits of shorter, more intense interval training workouts (HIIT) for improving heart health and maintaining overall fitness. "The First 20 Minutes" by Gretchen Reynolds discusses the proven science that can help us all exercise smarter and live longer by pushing our limits both mentally and physically. Most reported studies found that longer periods of exercise at a more moderate level of intensity did not increase weight loss or fitness performance as much as shorter, more intense workouts. In fact, working the body at a very high intensity, between 75 and 90 percent of an individuals VO2 max, seemed to provide the best results.

There is a lot of interesting information in this book yet the most appealing part to me was the authors recognition of the fact that working at high levels of intensity is no substitute for a generally active life. Our bodies change physiologically when we spend long periods of time being inactive and working out for 30, 60 or even 90 minutes cannot undo the damage of that sedentary lifestyle. As human beings we are healthiest when we exercise regularly and remain active. When it comes to staying healthy and living longer, daily, consistent movement is the key. In an era when people are looking for the simplest and easiest ways to be healthier, nothing is easier than getting off the couch and going... no matter the speed or pace.