HIIT workouts can help you burn fat faster, but that’s not the only reason to work them into your routine.
Even though we have these new findings of cardio training, people still don’t get it and people still want to sit on the bikes reading magazines about Kim Kardashian’s divorce for hours and hours. Do as you please, but I know I’m one of those types of people that want to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to training. This leads me to write about what is the right type of cardio for you?
What in the world does this crazy acronym HIIT stand for?
HIIT stands for High-intensity interval training, which consists of short sprint intervals coupled with low-moderate intensity work. An example of this would be a 30-second sprint followed by a 4-minute steady pace walk to cool down and bring your heart rate back to normal and then repeating it.
The pros of HIIT
The idea is simple: less total time required to make a big change—more bang for your buck. But the perks go far beyond saving time and expediting results—and years of research prove it. So if you’re not already on board with HIIT, read on to get seriously motivated to start.
HIIT burns more calories
HIIT burns more calories during and after a workout than continuous aerobic training The bursts of increased intensity simply increase the caloric expenditure, thus, the total calories are burned aiding in better body composition Even more: You burn more calories for about two hours after exercise, adding to the greater caloric fire.
Even if you are a marathon runner you can still benefit from HIIT
Just one minute of high-intensity work on an otherwise not-so-hard workout can boost your endurance and your overall health, seen through measures like improved blood pressure and higher counts of mitochondria, which help fuel your body and brain. And that improved endurance will carry over to your more moderate-intensity runs, rides, and other workouts.
You’ll Cut Your Workout In Half
We know: You already know these workouts are more efficient than any other kind. But, there’s science to back up just how crazy-efficient they are. You can get the same, if not greater, results in half the time of low-intensity longer duration workout sessions.
It’s Great For Your Heart
Flexibility isn’t just important when it comes to touching your toes. “HIIT increases the flexibility and elasticity of arteries and veins better than continuous aerobic exercise.
Here’s my advice. Get yourself completely out of breath 2-4x a week. Keep the duration between 10-20 minutes, mix things up, use a bike, treadmill, body weight, barbells. Anything goes just make sure you push yourself!