What is HIIT?

Published on July 31, 2017

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a training method that involves high spikes of intensity followed by a compete recovery. HIIT aims to increase the heart rate to its maximum capacity, as often as possible during the workout. The recovery time is what allows you to continue the workout at your maximum effort. 

It has been scientifically proven that it is the intensity of the training, not the volume, which produces the best results. Therefore, HIIT workouts are the best way to not only get the results you want, but to also improve your overall health. HIIT allows you to get results, and to get them fast. Transformation can come from only two 30-minute HIIT workouts each week. 

HIIT workouts are beneficial to both those trying to get fit, and also those who are already fit. HIIT reduces training time, as workouts only require 20-30 minutes of your day. Despite, the small amount of time HIIT workouts take, they are proven to still improve performance. 

HIIT workouts give power to the muscle mitochondria to use more fat, hence the reduction in body fat. HIIT does this by putting your muscles and mitochondria into a state of energy “crisis”. The mitochondria then multiply, increase in size, and initiates the fat-burning enzymes. HIIT workouts train your muscles to utilize fat more, as it is a great source of energy for your body. This causes the high rate of fat burning that occurs throughout HIIT workouts. 

6 Reasons why you need to add HIIT to your weekly schedule

1. HIIT is scientifically proven to improve your lean body mass, glucose tolerance, cardiorespiratory fitness, sprint speed, arm strength and maximal oxygen consumption. HIIT workouts also reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. HIIT eliminates the stubborn tummy fat which is known to cause health issues such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and hypertension. Therefore, by introducing HIIT workouts into your routine, you will be reducing the risk of contracting these health issues. 
3. HIIT is beneficial to exercisers of all ages, as it is the workout that provides the greatest activation of muscle and fat-burning capacity. 
4. HIIT is better than most workouts at producing excess post-exercise consumption (EPOC). Therefore, at the conclusion of your workout, your body will continue to use oxygen and burn fat for a long period of time. 
5. HIIT is specifically designed to reduce the risk of overuse injuries, such as the injuries that occur from traditional conditioning (e.g. running). 
6. HIIT workouts are usually only 30 minutes long, and have been proven to be more enjoyable than other workouts.