HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING
People are always looking for ways to save time, and exercise is no exception. Would you prefer to enjoy life with family and friends rather than waste hours in the gym?’ We have learned that getting the desired results takes a great deal of time and discipline, but is this the most efficient way? According to some experts, there is a better method, and it’s called high-intensity interval training, better known as HIIT. As you might’ve guessed from the name, HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise, followed by short rest and recovery periods. These are performed in short intervals, usually for about 20-30 minutes, and can produce some pretty incredible results.
There have been a few studies of HIIT where six one-minute bursts of running, with a minute rest between each, has fantastic results. They show that six minutes of HIIT equals six hours of normal jogging. Hard to believe? The science shows it.
High-Intensity Interval Training is almost magic!
It not only cuts your workout time in half, but it can benefit your body in several ways. For those of you who’re slightly skeptical, here are eight proven benefits of HIIT:
1. Shed More Calories in Less Time
Everyone wants to burn calories quickly, and high-intensity interval training may be the secret. Evidence shows that short periods of HIIT can burn more calories than traditional methods like running, biking, or weight lifting. As a result, HIIT allows you to make the most of your time instead of wasting hours at the gym!
2. Boost Your Metabolism
When performing a high-intensity workout, your body’s oxygen intake is well above that of an average exercise routine. This surplus of oxygen helps speed up the rate of your metabolism, thus helping your body burn more calories at a faster pace.
3. Burn Fat for Hours After Workout
Believe it or not, when you complete a HIIT workout, your body continues to burn calories and fat for hours afterward. Thanks to the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) effect, your body will keep burning calories while simultaneously working to replenish your energy and repair your damaged muscles. This effect is maximized when you remain active afterward, so if you generally exercise in the evening time, consider adjusting to a morning routine instead.
4. Shed Fat, Not Muscle
Spending hours at the gym doing cardio will ultimately result in weight loss, but you can also expect to sacrifice some muscle. HIIT, on the other hand, promotes weight loss and muscle growth. While your body attempts to recover, it’ll produce excess amounts of human growth hormones like testosterone. These hormones will help mend your muscles while boosting muscle mass and definition. HIIT is a win-win for those trying to make the most of their exercise routine.
5. Increase Your Endurance
HIIT is also an excellent way to increase your endurance. These workouts push your body to its Max, increasing your heart rate and oxygen intake. After a few HIIT workouts, you’ll be able to feel the difference. Not only will you see improved stamina, but you’ll also notice your body takes less time to recover after a workout. This will result in improved endurance when doing other activities, like going for a run, or hiking with friends.
6. Improve Cardiovascular Strength
Pushing your body to the extreme produces extreme results. When you reach your anaerobic zone and feel like your heart might burst from your chest, your blood vessels are getting quite the workout. This improves their elasticity which in turn helps to maintain proper blood flow. For people who have coronary artery disease, high-intensity interval training is a safe and effective workout that their bodies can tolerate easier.
7. Maximize Your Time
What’s the most common excuse for skipping a workout? Most people claim to that a lack of time, but studies show that high-intensity interval training is incredibly efficient. Research shows that you can achieve more in 15 minutes of interval training than in an hour of jogging on the treadmill. This makes HIIT the ideal workout for busy lifestyles!
8. Push Yourself to the Max
Gym addicts and beginners alike can benefit from high-intensity interval training. HIIT offers newcomers a quicker path to their desired results. And it also presents a new and exciting challenge for seasoned fitness fanatics. HIIT consistently pushes your body to its limits, ensuring you always get the most out of your workout routine.
