General Discussion Triathlon Talk » NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!? Rss Feed  
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2009-06-26 7:11 PM

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Subject: NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!?
Yet another article in the NYT which claims that intense workouts of 6 minutes/day for a week = 5 hours of lower intensity workout/wk. 

Anyone's who's seen my posts already knows my stance on this, so I won't repeat. I think a lot of beginners would be interested about hearing from some of you strong and experienced triguys as to your take on this article though, as it definitely differs from traditional training strategy.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/can-you-get-fit-in-six-minutes-a-week/?em



2009-06-26 8:16 PM
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Subject: RE: NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!?
Neat article. I didn't search on your opinion, but to a certain degree, the science behind this has been around for a while.
See Total Fitness in 30 Minutes a Week by Ph.D. Laurence E. Morehouse and Leonard Gross. One of the authors helped design the fitness program for the early space program.
I wonder if the benefits mention apply to racing. Also, how many of us are willing to suffer that much. I think they are talking about itensity so hi, you would almost want to throw up.

Plus, there is the issue of mental toughness. You have to "know" you can do it. There is a huge difference between having your cardio and muscles capable of doing something and having your mind ready for it.

However, I like the idea, and I think that hi intensity workouts can certainly bring huge benefits if you are in good enough shape to survive them.
2009-06-26 8:18 PM
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2009-06-26 8:36 PM
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Subject: RE: NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!?
Maybe it's true, maybe it's not.  I have no idea.  But I do suspect that there is a very strong tendency for people who don't really enjoy working out to want to believe it is true.
2009-06-27 12:34 AM
in reply to: #2246546

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Subject: RE: NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!?
2009-06-28 10:16 AM
in reply to: #2246546

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Subject: RE: NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!?
If you ask me, I enjoy my long workouts so much that I'm not sure I would want them shorter.

I really can't comment on the physiological aspects of the study, but it seems to me the mental aspects would cause problems for endurance athletes. For example, I know that I can run for 8 miles because I've done it. I you ask me to do a half-mary, it would be a strech for me, but I can see myself doing it. In contrast, I think someone who has done 6 minutes like the program describes would balk at the idea of doing a half-mary. Mentally they have no reference for it. The body may be totally capable of it, but the mind, not so much.

If there is one thing I have learned in my short time as a triathlete, its that most of my limitations are mental not physical.


2009-06-28 12:39 PM
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Subject: RE: NYT - 6 min / day = 5 hrs / wk of working out?!?
photonic - 2009-06-28 11:16 AM If you ask me, I enjoy my long workouts so much that I'm not sure I would want them shorter. I really can't comment on the physiological aspects of the study, but it seems to me the mental aspects would cause problems for endurance athletes. For example, I know that I can run for 8 miles because I've done it. I you ask me to do a half-mary, it would be a strech for me, but I can see myself doing it. In contrast, I think someone who has done 6 minutes like the program describes would balk at the idea of doing a half-mary. Mentally they have no reference for it. The body may be totally capable of it, but the mind, not so much. If there is one thing I have learned in my short time as a triathlete, its that most of my limitations are mental not physical.


Didn't read the article but i am skeptical of things that purport fantastic results in a short period of time. Those of us on this forum know how addictive training can be and I really like getting out there - makes me feel like a million bucks to know i can push myself for a long period of time.  I am happy to spend the time and stick with it.  But then the ladies I work with that are always on diets and looking to lose weight might like something like this. But then don't do much else ... would rather people find activities they'll stick with over a longer term.
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