Get Healthier Cells in 3 Minutes

Got a little time? Even if you have only the smallest bit, you can use it to control your genes in a big way. A measly 3 minutes of working out can fire up your cells to make you better able to keep diabetes away -- big time. It won't make you lose the genes for diabetes but will help you stop them from expressing themselves.

How? Guys who did 30-second sprints on a stationary bike -- just 4 to 6 of them, three times a week -- inspired their cells to improve their sensitivity to insulin. That means they were better able to get energy (glucose) from food into their cells, exactly the opposite of what happens in diabetes. (Not worried about diabetes? How about the impotence, fatigue, and blindness that often come with it?)

While it doesn't take much time to get your cells fired up, it doesn't mean you can get away with just a weekly 3-minute workout. Micro workouts won't keep your weight where it needs to be, which also helps prevent diabetes, nor will they make your muscles, bones, and heart strong or your mood stable. And, were we to list all the benefits of physical activity here, you wouldn't get your workout (or any other activities, if you know what we mean) in tonight. You need at least 30 minutes of walking a day, plus 10 minutes of weight training and 20 minutes of breaking a sweat three times a week. Go for it and reap the benefits.