Let’s face it, we all know that physical exercise can do wonders for our overall health. But despite this common knowledge, a good chunk of the global population just doesn’t get enough exercise — that’s almost 30 percent of us, to be exact.
The one exception is those who have a physically demanding job and are on their feet most of the day. Other than that, a regular exercise routine is vital to your health. This is where short, HIIT training workouts can make all the difference.
But what is it about HIIT training that makes it so effective? Check out this blog for the unbeatable benefits.
1. HIIT Training Workouts Are Efficient
The best thing about HIIT training? You don’t have to spend an hour or more exercising in order to work up a good sweat. Also known as high-intensity interval training, these workouts are generally quick, lasting no longer than 30-minutes.
To add to this, they’re super efficient at burning calories in a short amount of time because of their intensity. This also means that you don’t have to work out every day — in fact, you shouldn’t do more than two-three HIIT training sessions a week.
The overall premise of HIIT is to increase your heart rate with maximum effort for a short period of time. Then rest. And repeat the cycle. The constant increase and decrease in heart rate burns more calories than many other forms of steady-state, cardiovascular exercise.
2. It’s Convenient and Equipment Free
While there are many different variations of HIIT training that do involve equipment, such as HIIT treadmill workouts, you actually don’t need anything to get a good sweat on.
This is another great benefit of HIIT training, you don’t even need gym access to do it. This style of training focuses on using your body weight for many of the exercises, as well as a high amount of reps.
Some common exercises included in HIIT training are jump squats, jump lunges, high knees, pushups, sit-ups, etc.
3. HIIT Training Burns Fat for Good
As mentioned earlier, these types of workouts are highly efficient at burning calories because of their intense nature. This means they’re also great at burning fat, without losing muscle tone.
The high-rep, fast pace of HIIT training kicks your body’s repair cycle into overdrive. The result is a greater rate of fat burning versus many other forms of steady-state exercise, such as cycling or running.
4. It’s Always Challenging and Exciting
HIIT training circuits are exceptionally versatile and diverse. You can keep challenging your body as it becomes fitter and stronger with different HIIT training routines.
Not only does this keep your body guessing and continue to improve your fitness. But it also ensures you never get bored, stagnant, or complacent in your training.
5. HIIT Improves Your Cardiovascular Fitness
As your muscles continue to grow with different HIIT challenges each week, so does your cardiovascular capability. In other words, you’re not only growing your leg, arm, or abdominal muscles but your heart muscle, too!
All in all, this improves your heart’s ability to pump blood around your body and its overall oxygen consumption. This makes you a fitter, healthier, and happier version of yourself.
Are You a Fitness or Sports Enthusiast?
Overall, HIIT training workouts can do wonders for your health. But bear in mind that this style of exercise puts strain on your body (in all the right ways), but you don’t want to overdo it. Stick to a maximum of three HIIT training sessions per week to avoid exhaustion and injury!
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