KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Spending less time in the gym could be the key to losing those few extra pounds.
Researchers say they are finding more and more evidence that interval training at the gym works better than a long steady workout.
"We use interval training to keep it fun but also to increase the intensity without people really paying as much attention to intensity," says Kathleen Kennedy who is a trainer.
A team of researchers at an Australian University found that people who ride a stationary bike for 40 minutes at a steady pace lose an average of two pounds.
People who ride for 20 minutes and alternate between eight second sprints and the slow down for 12 seconds lose an average of six pounds.
"You work harder but I guess you get some recovery time after which makes it easier - or it feels easier to get a good workout," says Melissa Burns who participates in a spinning class.
You don’t have to be a cyclist to see results. Trainers say you can also use an elliptical machine, stair master, treadmill or jump rope.
