High Intensity Interval Training, commonly known as HIIT, is a form of training where one performs extremely intense work followed by a period of rest. This allows your body to recover before going on to the next exercise, ensuring maximum performance. HIIT has been rapidly growing popular over the past few years. It is no new knowledge that exercise is good for you. However, you may be wondering, what are the benefits of HIIT specifically? Why do we push ourselves to do these intense workouts?
First of all, studies have found that High Intensity Interval Training helps reduce your blood sugar. Research has shown that blood sugar can be significantly lowered by engaging in HIIT workout programs for a duration of less than 12 weeks. Not only that, but it promotes insulin resistance more than regular continuous cardio. This makes it a great workout for those with diabetes.
On the topic of blood, HIIT has also been proved to help reduce your blood pressure, and lower your heart rate. Studies have shown that just 8 weeks of HIIT training reduces your blood pressure more than continuously doing traditional cardio. This is a huge benefit of HIIT, considering that the workout is usually performed for only 20-30 minutes per session.
Another benefit of HIIT is its ability to improve oxygen consumption in a shorter time period than regular endurance training. This allows your muscles to use oxygen much more effectively. This is why HIIT is very popular among many athletes. Studies have shown that 8 weeks of High Intensity Interval Training can increase one’s oxygen consumption by 25%.
Furthermore, HIIT can also help increase your muscle mass. This was found especially prevalent in individuals who were new to training. Not only are you improving your cardiovascular health with HIIT, but you are also gaining muscle in the process. This makes it very beneficial for those who are short on time, as it is similar to cardio and endurance training all in one workout.
For individuals who are trying to lose weight, HIIT may be a very effective choice. HIIT has shown to burn up to 30% more calories than other endurance exercises. Keep in mind that HIIT is also usually performed for a shorter time period as well, meaning that you are able to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. HIIT has also demonstrated the ability to increase one’s metabolic rate after the workout. It has been researched to show that it increases your metabolic rate after exercising more than jogging and weight training. It also shifts the body’s metabolism to using fats over carbs, meaning that you will be able to burn fat quicker.
So, what are you waiting for? Next time you have thirty minutes to spare, grab your water bottle, mat, and sneakers and give HIIT a try!