Short Bursts of Exercise Improve Insulin Sensitivity

In another study of the benefits of interval exercise training emphasizing extremely short bursts of high intensity exertion alternating with relaxation improved insulin sensitivity by 23%, a "remarkable" result. The exercise regime that achieved this outstanding result was 15 minutes of cycling 3 times per week for 2 weeks. Each 15 minute session included 4-6  sprints lasting 30 seconds each. 6 sprints would mean 30 seconds of high intensity alternating with 2 minutes of 'relaxed cruising'. Those familiar with Heart Rate Variability Analysis will recognize the principle of exercising the parasympathetic relaxation phase in alternation with the sympathetic exertion with its benefits for the whole organism. This study is interesting in that it documents improvement specifically in insulin sensitivity.