High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has now become part of the mainstream fitness training over the past couple of years.
Once limited to elite and professional athletes, HIIT is now a common practice in personal training, thanks to its numerous proven benefits for general health, weight loss, and strength and fitness improvements.
In this article, we will discuss the top 6 key advantages of HIIT and explore what makes it such an effective workout regimen.
Key Benefits of HIIT:
- Shorter Workouts, Maximum Results: HIIT workouts are designed to be intense and time-efficient. By incorporating short bursts of high-intensity exercises, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes, HIIT allows you to achieve maximum results in a fraction of the time required by traditional exercise routines.
- Elevated Fat Burning: HIIT triggers a phenomenon known as Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). This means your body continues to burn calories and fat at an increased rate for up to 2-3 days after the workout. As a result, HIIT can significantly enhance fat loss, helping you reach your weight loss goals faster.
- Hormonal Enhancements: Anaerobic training, which is the basis of HIIT, stimulates the release of anabolic hormones like Human Growth Hormone (HGH). These hormones play a vital role in muscle building and repair, helping you achieve a more toned physique. Additionally, HIIT reduces the stress hormones like cortisol, which can be detrimental to overall health and contribute to weight gain.
- Improved Fitness and Strength: The intensity of HIIT workouts challenges your cardiovascular system and muscular strength simultaneously. Regular participation in HIIT sessions leads to notable improvements in both fitness and strength, enabling you to perform better in various physical activities.
- Adds Variety to Your Training: While HIIT offers tremendous benefits, it is not recommended for daily workouts. Incorporating HIIT sessions into your training routine once or twice a week adds variety and keeps your workouts engaging and dynamic.
- Reduced Risk of Overuse Injuries: By alternating between intense bursts of exercise and short rest periods, HIIT reduces the risk of overuse injuries that can occur with repetitive movements in traditional workouts. This makes it a safe and effective option for people looking to avoid workout-related injuries.
Understanding High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
HIIT is characterized by its focus on speed and intensity, with workout durations typically ranging from 20 to 30 minutes.
These workouts can be centered around cardio or strength training, utilizing specific protocols and timings tailored to different training goals. O
ne of the most well-known HIIT methods is the Tabata Intervals, which was popularized by the studies conducted by Tabata and Tremblay.
A Sample Tabata HIIT Program: Here’s a sample Tabata HIIT program you can try:
Exercise 1: 20 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest for 8 sets (4 minutes) + 1-minute rest.
Exercise 2: 20 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest for 8 sets (4 minutes) + 1-minute rest.
Exercise 3: 20 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest for 8 sets (4 minutes) + 1-minute rest.
Exercise 4: 20 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest for 8 sets (4 minutes) + 1-minute rest.
Total workout time is 20 minutes, excluding warm-up and cool-down.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has emerged as a powerful and time-efficient exercise regimen, offering a multitude of benefits for individuals of all fitness levels.
By incorporating HIIT into your training routine, you can achieve remarkable improvements in general health, weight loss, and overall strength and fitness.
Remember to approach HIIT with proper technique and allow adequate rest between sessions to maximize its positive effects.
So, challenge yourself with HIIT, and unlock the potential for a healthier and fitter lifestyle!
Cameron Corish has been caring and achieving results for the local Wishart, Mansfield and Mt Gravatt community for over 10 years. Together with the Core Health Coaching Team, he takes a multi-disciplined and holistic approach to health and fitness addressing the physical, mental and emotional aspects of one’s health.
Ready to feel and look your best? Book a time for a FREE chat and see how we can make a difference in your life. Book here calendly.com/corehealthcoaching or email Cameron at cameron@corehealthcoaching.com.au
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