Sporting activities: long or short sessions?

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Extract from the article: The decision between opting for a long exercise session once a week or several short sessions spread over the week depends on personal objectives, fitness levels and individual preferences.

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The decision between opting for a long exercise session once a week or several short sessions spread over the week depends on personal objectives, fitness levels and individual preferences.

Dr Damien Ekoué-Kouvahey, Sports Doctor, points out that a long session of sport once a week, while preferable to no exercise at all, is not enough to achieve significant results in terms of figure and endurance. This is because the body perceives a long, isolated session as negative stress. To see vascular and muscular benefits, two or three sessions a week are recommended.

Effectiveness of short sessions

Short but regular sessions of ten to fifteen minutes can be very effective. Dr Ekoué-Kouvahey explains that muscle strengthening, even over short periods, increases the basal metabolic rate, which means more calories are consumed every day. The key lies in the regularity and intensity of these sessions.

Fractional running

For runners who only have 20 minutes to devote to their training, it's advisable to start with a five-minute warm-up, then alternate 30 seconds of intense effort with 30 seconds of calmer running. Experts also recommend combining two or three short, intense sessions during the week with a long run at the weekend.

Gym sessions

Gym members who want to slim down their figure can alternate between classic muscle-strengthening sessions and cardio sessions. It's crucial to always take into account your current abilities and consult a doctor before starting a new training programme, especially for beginners.

Vary the pace

Varying the pace of exercise is essential to prevent the body from becoming accustomed to exercise and stagnating.Dr Ekoué-Kouvahey stresses the importance of constantly challenging your body to avoid the natural 'laziness' of the metabolism, which seeks to expend as little energy as possible.Whether you opt for one long session or several short ones, the key is to maintain regularity and adapt the intensity of the effort. By combining these practices with a balanced diet, everyone can find the strategy that best suits their body and their goals.

William O.