Over the decades aerobic exercise has developed into a quasi-cult. But the latest science tells us that short intense bursts of exercise are more efficient at shifting our metabolism than long stretches of aerobic activity.

If you change your exercise routine into four or five short intense bursts of exercise that leave you breathless, separated by three or four minutes of gentle exercise that allow you to recover, your body quickly shifts into fat burning mode. Studies show that these bursts of activity separated by gentle rest periods effectively lower your risk of diabetes, increase fat burning and enhance both sexuality and mental acuity.

The great advantage is that 15 or 20 minutes of exercise in this pattern is as effective as 45 minutes to an hour of traditional aerobics.