Years ago, I used to make myself feel better about eating a gallon of ice cream by saying, 'Well, I worked out for two hours today ... ' Thing is, that two hour workout was not what you'd call difficult. In fact, I probably barely even broke a sweat. Still, for me, quantity was better than quality, hence me padding a few extra pounds over the years.

I think you know where I'm going with this one. Working out longer only does you any good if you work hard. Otherwise, you're just wasting your time. It's important to make sure your workout is effective, and no surprise here -- the more effective your workout, the less time you actually have to do it.

Still, with all these super-quick workouts popping up, either at the gym or in DVD format, I have to wonder -- can you really only commit 20 to 30 minutes a day and see major results?The answer is a resounding YES according to this article -- as long as you can make the commitment to work hard -- really hard -- for that amount of time -- so no chatting to your friend, thumbing through magazines or checking out other gym goers. And say goodbye to your resting time -- you can take a break for as long as it takes you to have a sip of water but that's it.

Ever heard of Curves? Chances are you have, because they're one of the biggest franchises in the world. And they've built their fortune on quick workouts. Circuit training is the key -- moving from station to station, doing a different exercise for 5 minutes each. It makes a lot of sense, in fact. And it's ideal for anyone who has a busy schedule or who gets bored with the same old same old at the gym.

But unless you're a member of Curves or have joined some other sort of circuit training program, you might not know how to have the most effective workout possible. Consider booking a session with a personal trainer, or take tips from one of these articles:

• Here's a workout that you can do for 20-minutes every other day. It's important that you take a day off in between to rest, which means you'll be working out three times a week max.
  
• Fitness Magazine uses weights and simple exercises like push-ups and jogging in place in this perfect 20-minute workout.
  
• Yahoo Health and Men's Health has put together what they call the Best 20-minute Workout out there.
  
• The above are all weight-based workouts -- if you're more into cardio, the short-but-effective rule still stands. When doing cardio, interval training is important -- short bursts or extreme intensity intermixed with periods of active rest. And there are recent studies that show that the shorter the burst the better.
  
• Not into weights or cardio? Check the DVD section at your local store -- these days, there are 20-minute workouts in Pilates, yoga, dance and more.
  

Let's face it -- we all have busy lives and we all could do with a little more free time. Working out more effectively can save you time and get you in shape faster. Don't you think?