Australian scientists have added to the evidence that high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting, works better than jogging or other moderate aerobic exercise for burning off body fat. They assigned 46 sedentary 20-something men to either an exercise or a control group. Those in the exercise group did 20-minute routines, three times a week, in which they sprinted on a stationary bike for 8 seconds, then rested for 12 seconds. After 12 weeks, the sprinters lost an average of 4 pounds of body fat while adding 2.6 pounds of muscle. Most important, scientists said, was that the sprinters saw a 17% reduction in the belly fat stored around internal organs, which has been linked to higher risk for heart disease. Men in the control group, by contrast, gained weight and increased waist circumference. Sprinting is a very efficient form of exercise, researchers commented in Journal of Obesity, and its fun.
