It's The Intensity, Stupid!

Too many people continue to think that exercising longer is automatically better. No so. It depends on your goals.

If you're training for a marathon, of course, you'll need to do some long training runs. However, if your primary goal is dumping fat and getting in shape, the intensity of your workouts is more important than the duration.

Numerous studies have shown high intensity exercise, especially cardio intervals, are more beneficial for fat loss than low or moderate exercise.

When strength training, concentrate on compound exercises, ditch the straight sets for supersets, lower your rest periods and make sure the weights you use are challenging.

All that said, remember, intensity is relative. Don't kill yourself when you're starting out but as your fitness level increases, you'll need to up the intensity level, too.

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