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The First 20 Minutes
288 pages, 2013
For decades, exercise experts have been telling us that we need to be spending more time on the treadmill and less time on the couch. But what if it's the other way around? What if exercise could actually save you time—and boost your productivity instead? In her new book, Gretchen Reynolds dispenses with traditional wisdom about how to get fit and tells readers exactly how it can benefit them at work and at home. How fitting that her first book was titled The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How Short, Simple Changes Can Make All the Difference for You (and Why You Should Always Exercise More Than Once A Day). Through a series of interviews with dozens of science journalists and health experts, Reynolds explains how exercising longer than 20 minutes can actually harm your health. She also reveals why you shouldn't sweat chocolate milk before working out and why stretching before a workout is counterproductive to recovery. Finally, she shares simple tips to improve the quality of your workouts, so they don't feel like torture.
Gretchen Reynolds emphasizes that the first 20 minutes of any exercise are the most crucial. It's during this time that your body experiences the most significant health benefits. So, even if you're short on time, squeezing in a quick 20-minute workout can still be beneficial.
Reynolds debunks the popular belief that lower intensity workouts burn more fat. He explains that while it's true that your body burns a higher percentage of fat at lower intensities, the total amount of calories burned is much less than during high-intensity workouts. So, if you're looking to lose weight, don't be afraid to push yourself.
In 'The First 20 Minutes', Gretchen Reynolds explores the importance of staying hydrated during exercise. She suggests that drinking when you're thirsty is the best way to stay hydrated, rather than sticking to a strict schedule. This approach can help prevent overhydration, which can be just as dangerous as dehydration.
Reynolds highlights the importance of rest and recovery in achieving your fitness goals. She explains that your body needs time to repair and strengthen itself after a workout. So, don't feel guilty about taking a day off, it's an essential part of your fitness journey.
The book also digs into the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Reynolds suggests that even if you exercise regularly, sitting for extended periods can still harm your health. She recommends breaking up your sitting time with short bouts of activity to keep your body healthy.
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