How HIIT Can Benefit YOU!

Because Who Doesn’t Love Torturing Themselves?

Ah, High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, the fitness trend that’s all the rage. Who wouldn’t want to push themselves to the brink of collapse in the name of health? Let’s dive into the many benefits of this self-imposed agony, backed by research and science, because obviously, we all need convincing that voluntary suffering is worth it.

The Ultimate Time Saver

First off, let’s talk about time efficiency. We’re all so busy that squeezing in a 30-minute workout is simply a pipe dream, right? HIIT is here to save the day! According to a study published in PLOS ONE, just 10 minutes of HIIT can be as effective as 50 minutes of steady-state cardio. But here’s the deal. When we say HIIT training we’re talking, you’re being chased by a rabid dog type of effort. Not this medium intensity, “I’m tired boohoo type of effort”. Anyway, you can achieve the same fitness benefits in a fraction of the time. Perfect for those who enjoy maximizing their time in the “I might die” zone of exertion.

The Calorie Burn

Who needs comfort when you can burn calories like a furnace? The Journal of Obesity states that HIIT can burn 25-30% more calories than other forms of exercise . Yes, you read that right. You can torch those calories while feeling like your lungs are on fire and your legs are about to give out. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? But again, if you’re not giving it literally your all, you won’t reap these benefits.

Boost Your Metabolism

After you’ve finished a HIIT session and are lying on the floor questioning your life choices, your body is still working hard. This phenomenon is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). A study in the International Journal of Exercise Science found that HIIT increases your resting metabolic rate for up to 24 hours after exercise . So if you do it right, you’re burning more calories even while binge-watching Netflix (with those Cheetos fingers) and recovering from the trauma.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Let’s not forget cardiovascular health. Apparently, our hearts benefit from this madness too. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that HIIT improves cardiovascular function and can lower blood pressure more effectively than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) . So, while you’re gasping for air and praying for the end, just remember your heart is getting stronger. Lucky you!

Build Muscle, Shred Fat

Why waste time doing separate cardio and strength training sessions when you can do HIIT and feel like you’ve been hit by a truck?

NOTE: We are not suggesting turning your strength sessions into cardio session, there is a massive difference.

A study in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research indicates that HIIT not only shreds fat but also promotes muscle growth . So, you can achieve that lean, muscular look without spending hours in the gym. You just have to endure bouts of extreme discomfort. No pain, no gain, right?

Embrace the Suffering

Not everyone enjoys the feeling of exercising like your being chased by a pack of wolves, however HIIT is definitely worth the temporary hit to your ego and the cracking of your soft disposition. It’s efficient, effective, and absolutely grueling. But, you’ll be in the best shape of your life while questioning every decision that led you to this point. So go ahead, jump on the HIIT bandwagon. Your body will thank you – eventually.

For more information on our Total Fitness program which features a couple of HIIT workout sessions weekly, click the link here. Or if you’re ready to get things rockin’ and rollin’, click the link here.

References:

1. Weston, M., et al. (2014). PLOS ONE. “Effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIT) on fitness in adults: a meta-analysis of controlled and non-controlled trials.”

2. Boutcher, S. H. (2011). Journal of Obesity “High-intensity intermittent exercise and fat loss.”

3. Scott, C. B. (2011). International Journal of Exercise Science. “The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training vs Steady State Training on Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity.”

4. Weston, K. S., et al. (2014). British Journal of Sports Medicine. “High-intensity interval training in patients with lifestyle-induced cardiometabolic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”

5. Schoenfeld, B. J., et al. (2014). The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. “Effects of different volume-equated resistance training loading strategies on muscular adaptations in well-trained men.”