It is possible to have tighter abs and thighs and still have the time to show them off. Unless you’re training for the Olympics, it’s not necessary to spend hours pumping iron.
In a University of Florida study, men and women who did a single set of 9 to 12 repetitions on a variety of weight-lifting machines had almost the same strength and endurance as those who did the conventional three sets of repetitions. The significant difference between the groups was in the amount of time spent in the gym–one hour versus 25 minutes.
“Those who worked out longer were only 2 percent stronger,” said Chris Hass, lead researcher. “That means the average person can have a pleasing body, enjoy the health benefits of lifting weights and yet have time to do other things, like be with their friends and family.”
