Everyone knows we should be committed to regular workouts, whether that's jogging outside, hitting the gym or communal exercise classes. The single biggest reason most people who don't exercise give is lack of time, but a group of scientists have well and truly put a stop to that argument by suggesting exercise sessions lasting just 60 seconds have profound health benefits.

Researchers at McMaster University in Ontario have published their findings in PLOS One journal, suggesting that even such a short burst of exercise can improve the overall health of people.

All isn't quite as it seems though - simply sprinting for 60 seconds isn't going to be enough. Instead the short burst comes sandwiched inside a ten minute workout: that's still not that bad if you think about it though.

To test the theory, overweight men and women were analysed over six weeks. Their workouts consisted of a bike warm-up for two minutes, followed by three 20-second intervals of peddling as quickly as possible. Then there were two minutes at a slower pace, rounded out with a three-minute cool down. These took place three times a week, totalling 30 minutes of exercise every seven days.

At the end of the test period those involved all had better endurance and lower blood pressure.

It's important to note you could do this kind of workout on any machinery, like a rowing machine or step, or just use your stairs at home to get your blood pumping.

Dr Martin Gibala was behind the research, but is keen to point out a few important facts. Chiefly is that the one minute burst of high-intensity exercise is housed without nine minutes of lower-intensity workouts. Put basically; don't think walking for 60 seconds a day is all it takes. For this to work you need to do some other level of activity between the 20 seconds of all-out exercise, plus you really need to push yourself. Once those 20 second spurts are over you would be red, sweating and your muscles should be burning. You have to push yourself, holding back will stop this working.

And don't forget, the more the better is the mantra when it comes to exercise. This study is helpful as it shows even those with busy lives can make a real difference, but don't use it as an excuse to miss that weekend class. If you can fit a workout in do, you'll feel better for it.

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