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. โExercise 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.npr.org/2026/08/23/nx-s1-5939943/high-intensity-hiit-heart-health-exercise
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260821012208.htm