The health effects of a 3-minute workout may be bigger than expected

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A new study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine suggests that even a few minutes of intense exercise can trigger meaningful changes in the body. Researchers comparing three-minute and 90-minute workouts found that the shorter burst rapidly increased circulating molecules associated with metabolism and better health. While brief exercise is not necessarily a replacement for longer workouts, the findings show how quickly the body can respond to vigorous activity.

Source

Olsen, Luke et al. โ€œExercise intensity modulates interorgan communication and is associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes in humans.โ€ Cell reports. Medicine, 102988. 13 Aug. 2026, doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.102988

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/09/09/3-minutes-vs-90-minutes-which-workout-is-better-your-health/

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/23/nx-s1-5939943/high-intensity-hiit-heart-health-exercise

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260821012208.htm

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