A 2025 meta-analysis by Kazeminasab et al. (Université Clermont Auvergne & CNRS) reviewed 35 randomized controlled trials with 1,266 adults. They found that combining intermittent fasting with exercise didn’t reduce VO₂max or leg/bench strength, but did slightly boost handgrip strength.

A 2023 summary from Georgia State University and the Society of Behavioral Medicine shows that micro-workouts—short bursts of physical activity lasting from 30 seconds to 10 minutes—can have major benefits for heart health, blood sugar control, mental well-being, and overall endurance.