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Because people have less time on their hands owing to professional and other commitments, there was a need for a workout that was shorter in duration but equally effective in burning fat and building muscles. This need is now being met by what is called High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT.
High-Intensity Interval Training has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its effectiveness in improving overall fitness levels in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional workouts. HIIT is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves alternating between intense bursts of activity and short recovery periods.
In this blog, we will explore the science behind HIIT training and its benefits.
The Science Behind HIIT Training
HIIT training involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise, which uses up the oxygen reserves of the body. The body now has to use energy from anaerobic systems, which are systems that do not require oxygen to produce energy. This leads to an increased metabolism and greater fat-burning post-workout. This effect is known as the afterburn effect, which means that the body continues to burn calories even after the workout has finished.
During HIIT, the body also experiences an increase in heart rate and oxygen consumption, leading to an improvement in cardiovascular fitness. The short, intense bursts of exercise help to increase the heart's stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps per beat. This leads to an overall improvement in heart health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Benefits of HIIT Training
Higher Fat-Burning
HIIT workout is effective in burning fat due to the afterburn effect. The intense bursts of activity and the recovery periods that follow have been shown to increase the body's metabolism, leading to greater fat-burning post-workout.
HIIT Takes Lesser Time
One of the most significant benefits of HIIT training is its time efficiency. HIIT workouts are generally shorter than traditional workouts, with most sessions lasting between 20-30 minutes. This means that people who have busy schedules can still fit in a quality workout without sacrificing too much time.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
HIIT cardio workouts can improve cardiovascular fitness by increasing the heart's stroke volume and oxygen consumption. This leads to an overall improvement in heart health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Increased Muscle Mass
HIIT training can also increase muscle mass due to the high-intensity nature of the workouts. It is a full-body workout where many muscle groups are worked up regularly and to their limit, leading to a significant increase in muscle mass and strength.
HIIT Requires Virtually No Equipment
HIIT training can be done without any equipment most of the time, making it a convenient form of exercise that can be done anywhere, at any time. This means that people who do not have access to a gym or who prefer to exercise at home can still get a quality workout in. HIIT consists of body-weight exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers, skipping rope etc. The basic requirements may be a gym mat, dumbbells, resistance bands and similar gym gear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HIIT training is a highly effective form of exercise that can lead to significant improvements in overall fitness levels. HIIT's high-intensity nature activates the body's anaerobic energy systems, leading to increased fat burning, improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle mass, and time efficiency.
Furthermore, it is a convenient form of exercise that can be done anywhere, at any time, without any equipment. Therefore, incorporating HIIT training into your exercise routine can lead to improved health and fitness in a shorter amount of time.
If you also want to incorporate HIIT into your fitness circuit, then download the FITPASS app and take your first foray into this exciting type of workout. With FITPASS, you can easily look for the best HIIT classes near you that have the best HIIT trainers and sessions, so that you can make the most of your workout in the shortest time.
