High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts are becoming increasingly popular as an efficient way to improve physical health and overall fitness. HIIT exercises involve alternating high-intensity exercises with rest intervals. This allows the body to take advantage of the intense bursts of energy in quick, powerful movements to get maximum benefit out of each workout.
Increased Calorie Burn
HIIT workouts have been proven to have up to a 25% increase in calorie burn when compared with traditional forms of exercise. That can mean everything from burning more fat to burning more muscle-building calories, depending on what goals you’re trying to achieve.
Time Efficiency
One of the best things about HIIT workouts is that they are incredibly time-efficient. The average HIIT workout is usually around 30 minutes, sometimes even much shorter. This is perfect for those with busy schedules or anyone who wants to get fit but doesn’t have a lot of time to commit to a workout routine.
Mental Benefits
HIIT workouts are not just about the physical benefits – they can also help improve your mental state. HIIT exercises require a lot of focus, self-discipline and concentration, which can help to improve your problem-solving skills and mental clarity.
More Fun
HIIT workouts can also be a lot of fun! While traditional forms of exercise may be monotonous and repetitive, HIIT workouts are fast-paced and challenging. This makes them more enjoyable, and makes them easier to stick with in the long term.
Overall Benefits
The overall benefits of HIIT workouts are numerous, and can help to improve physical, mental and emotional health.
Some of the main benefits include:
- Increased calorie burn
- Time efficiency
- Mental benefits
- More fun
- Increased cardiovascular health
- Improved muscle tone
HIIT workouts are an effective and efficient way to get in shape and improve overall fitness. So why not give them a try and see how your body responds?
What is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of cardiovascular exercise that alternates between short periods of extremely intense, high-energy bursts of activity with longer recovery periods. HIIT is designed to maximize relief and increases in cardiovascular fitness, stamina and fat-burning in a very short amount of time. HIIT workouts can last anywhere from 10-30 minutes. They are typically composed of exercises that mix both strength and cardiovascular training, such as burpees, squat jumps, and sprints. HIIT workouts have been shown to increase metabolism and improve endurance and strength.
What are the benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?
1. Fast calorie burn– HIIT workouts help you burn more calories in a shorter period of time due to the intensity of the exercises involved.
2. Improved cardiovascular health – interval training involves HIIT also increases your cardiovascular endurance as it works your heart and lungs harder than a regular aerobic workout.
3. Increased muscle growth – HIIT workouts focus on short bursts of intense exercise which triggers your body to build muscle faster. This can lead to increased strength and power.
4. Improved energy levels – the intense exercise required in HIIT gives you an adrenaline-rush that can improve your overall energy levels.
5. Improved body composition – HIIT increases your metabolic rate, which helps your body use up stored fat and replace it with lean, toned muscle.
6. Time-efficient – HIIT requires considerably less time than a typical aerobics workout, allowing you to fit in a workout into even the busiest of days.
What type of exercises are used for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?
HIIT typically involves exercises that use short bursts of anaerobic exercise such as sprints, burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and squat jumps, combined with periods of rest or lower intensity aerobic exercise. Other popular HIIT exercises include kettlebell swings and medicine ball throws.
What are the benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?
1. Improved Heart Health: HIIT helps to improve your cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate to a healthy level quickly and then allowing it to return to a resting rate during the recovery periods.
2. Increased Metabolic Rate: HIIT can help to increase your metabolism throughout the day, potentially leading to increased fat loss and increased energy.
3. Time Efficient: HIIT is a very time efficient workout as it condenses a longer workout into a shorter period of time.
4. Improved Endurance: HIIT workouts are designed to challenge your aerobic and anaerobic endurance, leading to increased performance.
5. Mental Toughness: HIIT requires mental toughness as well as physical strength. This can transfer to other areas of your life such as a job and social activities.
What are the differences between HIIT and regular cardio?
HIIT (high-intensity interval training) typically involves short bursts of work and rest, typically in a 1:2 ratio. This means you work for 30 seconds and rest for 60 seconds, for example. The work portion is intense and often includes sprinting, jumping rope, or doing other plyometrics. Meanwhile, regular cardio is done at a moderate pace for a longer period of time and can include activities like jogging or biking. HIIT is more intense and can get your heart rate up quickly and offers a shorter total workout time. Regular aerobic activity helps to improve cardiovascular endurance and can be safer for those just starting out.
