The hardest part of getting in shape is always getting started. Getting over that initial lazy hump and actually going to the gym for a workout is as tough as microwave steak, but what if you only had to work out for 15 minutes once you got there? Or better yet, from your own home?

Trainer and author Jim Karas believes that most people love to eat, but hate to exercise, so to help people get started in fitness he suggests working out for just 15 minutes, three days a week to get fit.

Karas recommends taking three basic exercises — pushups, Pilates planks, and squats or lunges — and doing each until “you’re almost out of breath.” Then repeat the series “until you fill up 15 minutes” three times weekly.

He also disagrees with federal guidelines that recommend 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity:

“You don’t have to have equipment. You don’t have to go to the gym. The neglected variable is intensity, if you really get in there and get the job done, you optimize results and you save yourself time.”

But is 15 minutes really enough? While Kim Karas’ theory may work for someone who is already physically fit and just needs to maintain, someone who is on the heavier side may need more than just 15 minutes to really get the results they need from their workout.

How long do you work out? Do you think 15 minutes is enough?

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3 Comments

  1. If you ever require any fitness/business tips:)

    Business is my LIFE, and Fitness is my LIFESTYLE!

  2. I don’t think the hardest part is getting started. The hardest part is sticking with it, and 15 minute workouts probably wouldn’t bring sufficient results to keep someone motivated.

  3. Short, intense workouts are very effective, but 15 minutes?! I agree w/ Kim Karas’ theory that 15 mins wouldn’t be effective for people who have more drastic fitness goals. I guess 15 mins might be enough to hit some weights, but you’d still need time to warm up

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