Burn More Calories in Less Time: Try Shorter, Intensive Cardio Sessions

Fitness experts say interval workouts, in which you alternate a short bout of hard-as-you-can-push-it exercise with several “recovery” minutes at a more moderate pace, are among the most effective weight-loss methods on the planet. “They burn more calories than a longer, same-paced workout would because your heart rate stays elevated even when you drop the intensity back down. Plus, constantly revving up and then putting on the brakes a bit really challenges your body and expends more energy,” explains Pete McCall, a San Diego personal trainer and exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise. (And there’s a lot of research backing that!) Bonus: Working out this way enables you to accomplish more in less time.