Which is better, exercising every hour for 5 minutes or for an hour straight?

Question

I think it's easier to get on the stationary bike for 5 min every hour (For at least 12 hours), rather than for an hour straight. It almost seems like exercising is small amounts throughout the day would be better for metabolism anyway, what do you think?

I'm a stay at home mommy. It's easier to take quick breaks from my kiddos than an hour. (2 year old and newborn)

Basically, whenever my newborn falls asleep and my two year old is entertained by something, I try to work out. But it doesn't take long for the two year old to get bored. These answers make since but I still can't help but think it's still not a bad way to do it.

It's like taking short walks. It's good for you but you don't necessarily start sweating.

Answer 1

According to the latest studies it doesn't matter what you do, and long as you do something.

Answer 2

You'd be better off exercising an hour than breaking that up into five minute intervals. Exercise is somewhat cumulative in the respect that your body is burning differently 20 minutes into the workout than it is five minutes into the workout. Plus, you need adequate time to warm up and cool down - five minute intervals isn't nearly enough time for this and you're asking for injury. Also, if you compare the calories burned in five minutes for 12 hours to what's done all at once, you won't see the same amount.

That said, an hour of any one exercise is pretty excessive. People seem to think that if some exercise is good, more of it has to be better. This simply isn't the case. You'd be much better off halfing the time and making it a more intense workout. This is much better for fat burning. Also, I personally would include some strength training in there somewhere, whether it's pushups, using small dumbells, etc.

Answer 3

Workout Every Hour

Answer 4

i wouldn't think you could get your heart rate up fast enough for the 5 minutes to be as effective. But studies suggest that it doesn't matter how you get the exercise as long as you do. Try at least 10 minute intervals.

Answer 5

some ppl never loose their belly fat no matter what they do. When I was younger, I use to run so much on the treadmill, I looked like I was anorexic and unfortunately I still had my little tummy. Running will help you loose weight and make you feel better about yourself, but in addition to running you should do ab exercises.

Answer 6

Exercise every 5 minutes? really ? like ur working on sumthing ..and u stop to work out ? wouldnt that upset ur mental as well as physical system? my opinion is ...that the first 5 minutes of working out is called warming up for ur body. when ur body is relaxed it needs to gradually build up movement. 5 min isnt enough time to build up ur heart beat..nor will it be sufficient to release endorphins( neurotransmitters that help u feel good) ..nor will u produce sweat. i dont see any advantage of a 5 minute workout. plus the point u made about metabolism...u should "eat" in small portions for its betterment.

Answer 7

I think it's better to exercise for an hour straight versus five minutes every hour. I would rather get it done with all at once. And who has the time to be able to exercise for five minutes every hour over twelve hours?

Answer 8

no, u burn calories as u sweat, and the longer u excercise, the more u sweat. ur body would cool off, and u wudnt sweat for just 5 min. so it aint a good idea. sure it's easy, but it does no good.

Answer 9

y not do both.... do one hour... and 5 mins per hour...