If you are in a time crunch, high intensity interval training may be the exercise for you. Here are some benefits to HIIT that you should know.
Many of us truly want to make fitness and exercise a part of our daily life, but can never fully commit to it due to its time-consuming nature that must be sustained for a long period of time. The solution to this problem may be high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, which is a workout consisting of intense exercise for short periods of time. Not only can you reach many of your fitness goals with HIIT, but there are even benefits to it that a more typical workout routine does not include.
HIIT is more efficient at burning calories
Not only is HIIT efficient in terms of getting a workout in with a shorter amount of time, but it is actually better than normal workouts in terms of burning calories. Research estimates that HIIT burns 25-30% more calories than other workouts, and this is even when factoring in HIIT also consists of short breaks in between workouts. It is true that HIIT workouts are typically shorter than other workouts, but this makes it ideal for when on a time crunch because a much shorter workout can lead us to the same or better calorie goal.
HIIT burns more calories post-workout
Several studies show that HIIT can improve our body’s basal metabolic rate for up to hours after a workout. Our basal metabolic rate is what burns calories in a typical day without exercise. By improving the rate, this means that we actually burn more calories through HIIT than even our exercise would suggest, with more calories being burned passively post-workout.
There are a variety of variations to keep you engaged
Unlike a typical cardio session of something such as running or biking, HIIT requires that a variety of workouts be completed in a typical routine. This is because like strength training, HIIT does make an effort to target specific muscle groups. The variety in the workouts can help you stay engaged and keep you from getting bored.
HIIT benefits long term heart health
Of course cardio will always be good for your heart, but there are actually studies which indicate that HIIT may stimulate even better heart health than more moderate workouts. These benefits include a lowered heart rate as well as lowered blood pressure.