The Burst! Workout: The Power of 10-Minute Interval Training

by Sean Foy M.A.

Here from Sean Foy—exercise physiologist and coauthor of the million-copy bestseller The Daniel Plan—is The Burst! Workout, a complete program for 10-minute interval and circuit workouts that can be done practically anywhere, anytime. Study after study proves the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training. Now, here’s exactly how to do four minutes to raise the heart rate and metabolism; three minutes of resistance training to strengthen muscles and bones; two minutes of core movements for the abs and back; one minute of deep breathing and stretching (a vital component missing from other popular highintensity circuit programs). The book features three four-week Level 1, with no equipment required, perfect for the office (and fighting the “sitting disease”); Level 2, with minimal equipment; and Level 3, which brings interval training to the gym. The simple, scientifically devised exercises are illustrated with step-by-step photographs and are easy to master. The results are The workouts boost metabolic rate, promote weight loss, target all the major muscle groups, increase cardiovascular endurance, have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and deliver a sense of well-being. All in just a few minutes a day.

Genres: Nonfiction

608 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2014

Reviews

[Antara · Rating 2 out of 5]

too basic for me

[Holly Scudero · Rating 5 out of 5]

It probably sounds too good to be true. Get healthier, lose weight, lower your blood pressure, become more flexible, and more… all with just ten minutes of exercise a day. How could it be possible? With "The Burst! Workout," exercise physiologist and coach Sean Foy shows you how. The secret is high-intensity interval training, where you do dynamic aerobic exercises that alternate between high-intensity and moderate intensity. After several minutes of that, move on to resistance training that targets major muscle groups, and then to exercises that specifically target the core. Each workout is ended with one minute of deep breathing and stretching. It sounds simple, but this format really works! This book contains all the details of how it works and how to do it, including 12 individual 10-minute workouts covering three different levels of fitness. There are detailed descriptions, pictures, and ideas to make each specific exercise easier or more challenging. Foy also includes tests to figure out your baseline fitness level, counters to typical excuses for not exercising, and even journaling ideas to motivate you and help you hold yourself accountable (not to mention measure your progress!). If you’ve been trying to figure out a realistic way to fit exercise into your life so you can finally get healthy, you will not be disappointed by "The Burst! Workout."

Originally reviewed for San Diego Book Review.