High-Intensity Interval Training (otherwise known as HIIT) is all the rage right now, and for once the hype is entirely earned. HIIT is one of the most effective ways in which to get fit, tone, and lose weight if you’re short of time and space. In fact, it beats a regular workout hands down any day of the week!
What is High Intensity Interval Training?
The gist, for people who are unaware, is to work as hard as you possibly can for a set duration, say two minutes, and then to rest for anywhere between half of that time or the same amount. In doing so you get your heart beating quickly over and over again, and studies suggest that doing this can have powerful benefits!
Here’s what you need to know about High Intensity Interval Training:
See Results Quickly
High Intensity Interval Training is the most efficient way to exercise; it can be done on your lunch break and still leave you time to enjoy a bite to eat! Better still it doesn’t necessarily require a lot of space, either; all you need are a few moves which are guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Research has shown that bringing your heart rate up and letting it settle again regularly can produce better improvements in your cardiovascular performance, and can burn more calories than an hour on the treadmill!
Burn Baby Burn
HIIT training is all about intensity, and this hard work pays off long after you stop working out; research has shown that your baseline metabolic rate increases for up to 24 hours after your sweat session, too!
Use your own body weight
It is possible to conduct a very effective High Intensity Interval Training workout using only body-weight based exercises. This means that it really can be done anywhere, by anyone; high-knees, jumping lunges, and fast feet work just as well as static bike sessions and weightlifting.
Keep your muscle
When we diet it is very common to lose muscle mass along with fat, but this can also happen when you maintain the same speed throughout your cardio workout. If you don’t want to lose your hard-earned muscle High Intensity Interval Training is for you as the majority of weight lost will come from stored fat.
Push your Metabolism through the roof
Production of HGH (the Human Growth Hormone) is stimulated by intense periods of activity like those experienced by High Intensity Interval Training. The side-effects of this are an increase in the number of calories burned, and a slowing to the aging process.
Anytime, anywhere
Whether you’re in a cramped hotel room, or you’ve only got a tiny apartment balcony to work with High Intensity Interval Training workouts can be completed anywhere. All you have to do is find an exercise which lets you push yourself as hard as you can for a minute or two before you rest.
Challenge yourself
This is no easy stretch at the gym; you shouldn’t be able to chat with your buddy or read a book during this… but you’ll see results much, much quicker.
Change up your normal workout routine, and feel the difference with High Intensity Interval Training!
