High intensity interval training (HIIT) is more popular now than ever before. If you looked at the fitness industry, you’d see a ton of branded programs such as P90X, Insanity Max, Tabata, Les Mills Grit, SoulCycle, Sprint 8, Turbulence Training, CrossFit, and much more.
All these workouts are based on variations of HIIT. There are differences between each program for marketing purposes and branding. Yet, the core principles remain the same.
Maximum effort during the exercise followed by short breaks… repeated over and over for the duration of the workout session. Usually, HIIT workouts can last anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.
You really don’t need to do more that. If you’re giving it your best, 15 minutes is more than enough. The branded workouts may last longer, but you don’t need to follow those. You can easily structure your own HIIT workout and do that at maximum intensity for 10 to 15 minutes.
Now let’s look at the benefits of HIIT and why everyone is so crazy about it.
1. Less time
Unlike long steady state cardio sessions where you jog for an hour, HIIT is fast. You can squeeze in a workout in 15 minutes. It requires no equipment if you’re doing bodyweight exercises, and it doesn’t require much space.
In fact, you could pump out a quick workout during your lunch break at work. The cubicle has enough space for you to do a HIIT workout only comprised of burpees and jumping lunges. This is just an example and you could do much more… whatever it is, you’ll be gasping and sweating like you ran a marathon. That’s how effective HIIT is.
2. Faster results
HIIT puts your body in fat burning mode for 12 to 16 hours. You’ll be burning calories and fat throughout the day. This will translate to faster fast loss overall. Your results will come much quicker and you’ll be even more motivated to keep going.
3. Interesting
Unlike boring old cardio sessions where you can let your mind wander to the last episode of Game of Thrones, with HIIT you’ll barely have time to breathe.
Things will be much more interesting because the exercises will be different, and you’ll be moving from one exercise to the next. There is no time for your body to adapt or get into a rhythm.
4. Boosts your metabolism
HIIT will boost your metabolism so that you burn more calories even when you’re in a rested state. This is the secret to keeping off the fat that you burn. Your body is functioning optimally, and it will be harder to gain weight when your metabolism is high.
5. Increases your strength and stamina
High intensity will improve your cardiovascular endurance. It’s far more effective than long cardio sessions because the intensity places a very high demand on your body that’s forced to adapt.
6. Strengthens bones and prevents arthritis
HIIT workouts usually tend to be full body workouts. So, you’re doing resistance training moves at a rapid pace. You’ll also get the benefits of resistance training – one of which are stronger bones. This will help to prevent arthritis too.
These 6 benefits should convince even the most diehard skeptic that HIIT is highly beneficial and effective. It isn’t easy, but it works wonders when it comes to fat loss and getting ripped. Do give it a try today.
Kommentare