HIIT Workout: Benefits & Why it Works
High-intensity interval training is a “HIIT” among athletes and gym goers alike. Physical Therapist L Augustyn defines high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as “short, intense, unsustainable bursts of physical activity, paired with intervals of quick rests.” This type of training can be done anywhere and requires no equipment. HIIT workouts normally use only your body weight, in order to keep your heart rate up.
Why Do HIIT Workouts?
HIIT training has been shown to improve: insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, cholesterol profiles, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, abdominal fat and body weight while maintaining muscle mass.
Still not convinced?
3 Benefits of HIIT
1. Burn Calories Even After Your Workout
“HIIT burns more calories during and after a workout than continuous aerobic training,” says exercise physiologist and athletic trainer Scott Weiss. “The bursts of increased intensity simply increase the caloric expenditure. Thus more total calories are burned, aiding in better body composition.” “With HIIT, the total calories burned is greater in excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) than with continuous exercise,” says Weiss.
2. Boost Endurance
Recent research from the Journal of Physiology shows that, “High-intensity training adapts to the cellular structure of muscles,” which helps you increase your endurance while doing any type of exercise.
3. Boost Metabolism
According to The American College of Sports and Medicine, high-intensity workouts help consume more oxygen than non-interval workouts. The excess amount of oxygen consumed helps increase the rate of your metabolism by 50 minutes after a HIIT workout. This increased metabolism will help burn more calories at a much quicker rate.
