Fit Tip: HIIT it Hard

HIIT Training has remained a top trend for many consecutive years and was recently voted one of the top fitness trends for 2020 in a survey by the American College of Sports Medicine. As a trending fitness term, I’m sure you have heard of it, but you may be wondering, “What exactly is HIIT Training?” and “Why is it beneficial?”

HIIT, an acronym for “High Intensity Interval Training”, combines short high-intensity bursts of exercise with periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. The timing intervals vary – but the overall goal remains the same: PUSH the body, RECOVER, REPEAT. (Note: high-intensity does not have to be high-impact!)

In a busy, time-crunched world, HIIT Training has appeal for someone that wants to maximize results in a shorter period of time. Science supports that training with this protocol has many attractive benefits.

Here is a quick reference “HIIT List” :-)

The Benefits of HIIT Training

1. Burn a lot of calories in a short period of time

   HIIT Training for 15 minutes can burn more calories than jogging at a steady state for an hour!

2. Increase metabolic rate post exercise

   After a solid HIIT session, the body goes through “Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption” (EPOC), which means your body keeps working to build back the oxygen stores that are depleted during training. This lasts anywhere from 16-24 hours.

3. Assist in weight loss and potential muscle gain

   Research shows that HIIT workouts favor fat metabolism and also increase the production of growth hormone that produces lean muscle mass.

4. Improve oxygen consumption

   HIIT Training increases the bodies need for more oxygen during the high-intensity phase, causing a shortage in oxygen and by forcing the body to replenish oxygen quicker. Over time recovery happens quicker as the body gets stronger and more adapted.

5. Reduction in Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Blood Sugar

   Cardiovascular benefits associated with HIIT Training are attained in a shorter period of time and reduce the risk for heart disease. Aside from aesthetic goals – these are some of the most important in my opinion!

As a health and fitness programmer, my number one goal is to help make high quality workouts assessable to as many people as possible. HIIT Training is definitely a go-to and I often refer to it as a “No Excuse” way to get moving and start living healthier lives. If you are interested in giving HIIT a try, join me on Tuesday for a 20-minute ALL LEVELS HIIT Session!