Is 10 Minutes of Exercise Beneficial?

I read an article by Lauran Neergaard (Associated Press) recently about the benefits of ten minutes of exercise. It has been found that 10 minutes of exercise leads to metabolic change for more that an hour. Researchers are wondering what causes the health improvements of working out and eating well and whether some biologically pre-disposed to get more benefit?

These researches are from a new field that studies the unique chemical fingerprints that cellular processes leave behind.  They have measured biochemical changes in a variety of people during exercising and found changes in more than twenty metabolites that change during exercise. Naturually produced compounds involved in burning calories and fat and improving blood-sugar control.

The benefits are not limited to "healthy" individuals. Even those who are sick and weak from their illness or treatment can benefit from a little exercise.  Several personal trainers have developed workouts 10 - 15 minutes in duration.  Another article, by Landon Hill,  gives a few tips.

• Start out slowly. If you walk 15 minutes a day, add another 5 minutes.
• If you golf and usually ride in the cart, carry your bag once in a while.
• At work, take the stairs every now and then, or go across the office to talk to a colleague instead of e-mailing.
• Avoid boredom. Go for a walk at a different time of day, or try something new, like an aerobics class.
• There’s strength in numbers: Exercise with a group, or meet regularly to keep each other’s spirits up.
• Join, or start, an office or community “biggest loser” competition. My friend Dave mocked the one going on at his office, but he stepped on the scale anyway. He had ballooned to 248 pounds. Appalled, he eventually lost 60.
• Chronicle your goals, plans and progress in a journal. Or if you’re feeling bold, broadcast them on Facebook. Announcing a strategy makes it more real — there’s no turning back now — and you’ll find plenty of encouragement.
• Don’t push it early on. Allow for rest days between workouts.
• If you’re walking long distances or even running, go to a good running shop for shoes that match your physique and activity level.
• Join a gym. Get a free day pass or go as the guest of a member. If you don’t like the meat-market gyms, try Curves.