World's largest fitness study proves

The strength gains of nearly 15,000 people, who participated in fit20's 'minimum effective dose' strength training over seven years, were analysed by associate professor James Steele, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Solent University in Southampton.

The results, published by the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, showed that fit20 members were making significant strength gains in the order of 30 to 50 percent in the first year of training, regardless of age, gender, and fitness level. That is from one 20 minute strength training session a week.

Steele says, '50 percent is a substantial improvement in strength. Even 30 percent is a huge improvement that will likely impact people’s lives and health in a very positive way.'

For too long we have been divided into two groups of people, those that like going to the gym and reap the rewards, and those that don’t like the gym or think they don’t have time to go. The latter are at higher risk of sarcopenia, diabetes, heart disease, cancer or earlier death. But now the narrative has changed.

Walter Vendel, founder of fit20 says, 'Our vision statement is 'strength changes everything'. This means literally everything we do; walking, gardening, cycling, skiing, running up the stairs, mental focus. Strength improves every activity. We all want to grow old without feeling old, the solution is far easier than we imagined.'

Anyone can do 20 minutes a week of strength training to improve their health and fitness significantly; and a fit20 studio does not resemble a gym, and lycra is not required. The approximately 85% of the population who do not go to the gym now have a palatable option. The days of thinking that hours of commitment to the gym were the answers to health and fitness, are gone.

Niri Patel, Managing Director, fit20 UK:

'I'm particularly excited about the findings of this study which confirm what we have always believed at fit20; that fit20 is not just strength training, it is health and longevity training! Just one 20 minute session a week makes you much stronger, regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.'

The Dutch franchise formula fit20 has 170 studios in 10 countries that specialise in this minimum effective dose' training approach. Studios are opening up all across the UK.

If you are wondering about the fit20 training method, wonder no more, get booked in for a free trial and add strength into your life.