Ask Jillian Michaels

Don't Have Time for Cardio

Q: I have really young kids and am struggling to find time for a 45-minute cardio workout. Would I get the same benefits from breaking up my cardio into shorter intervals on the treadmill?

A:

Well, not really, and here's why: The longer the cardio session, the better the afterburn. "Afterburn" is technically known as post-exercise oxygen consumption, and what that fancy term refers to is your elevated metabolism after a workout. Afterburn can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the intensity and duration of your workout — therefore, if you break up your cardio, you'll burn the same number of calories during training, but you'll minimize the number of calories lost because of afterburn.

If you really have to break up your cardio, all is not lost — but the truth is, you'd be better off finding something for the kids to do for 45 minutes while you get your treadmill on.

Get more fitness tips from Jillian Michaels.

Last Updated: 10/27/2009

Often called "TV’s toughest fitness trainer," Jillian Michaels has appeared on the U.S. and Australian versions of The Biggest Loser. Jillian is also the author of three books, Master Your Metabolism, Winning by Losing and Making the Cut, and the creator of the online weight-loss program www.jillianmichaels.com.

Most Recent Q&As

• Fitting Yoga Into My Workout Routine
• Okay to Skip Meals?
• Pump Up Your Metabolism
• How Can I Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
• When to Eat?
• Can I Say Goodbye to Cellulite?
• Protein Shakes
• I'm Obese. How Do I Get Started?
• Tightening Up Your Inner Thighs