Is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)—intervals of high-intensity exercise followed by two minutes of moderate exercise— too good to be true? No, asserts Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, author of Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum’s Heart Book: Every Woman’s Guide to a Heart Healthy Life and Bottom Line’s “At the Heart of It All” blog. HIIT is a great way for people to stay fit, especially if they only have limited amounts of time to exercise. The concept is simple: Exercise at 100% intensity for 20 seconds—anything that gets the heart racing is acceptable—then do two minutes of less intense exercise for a total of 10 minutes per session. Research has discovered that HIIT is just as effective as a longer, less strenuous workout when it comes to managing heart health.

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is a cardiologist, author and spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign. She has devoted her career to treating heart disease through early detection, education and prevention. For more great tips from Dr. Steinbaum, check out her other videos and Bottom Line blog, At The Heart Of It All.

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