01/18/2026
Yup, it’s that time of year. How many of you resolve to exercise in 2026? A new study touts the benefits of high intensity exercise, claiming that 1 minute of intense movement gives a better health outcome than two hours of low intensity exercise. This is an oversimplification. Don’t believe it!
We won’t go into why these findings are shaky here. For that, go to Peter Attia MD for a long explanation. But the bottom line is, it depends.
For most of us, mixing it up is still the best way to go. Go on long walks where you can have a great conversation with a friend. Hike up a mountain with weights in your back pack so you get a variety of intensities from somewhat breathless to feeling like you can’t keep a straight face anymore. :)
And also do so interval training in a controlled environment - go hard then moderate on a stationary bike for example.
Hard = can’t really talk. Maybe one word sentences like “help”. ;)
Moderate = you can talk a bit. But you can’t recite a poem.
Low intensity = you can probably sing. Get into an in depth conversation. This kind of exercise you’re doing more for you nervous system and mind than improving your cardiovascular system.
You need to do high volume of moderate intensity to create a base for the high intensity.