High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a popular form of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. HIIT can be done with a variety of exercises, including running, cycling, and strength training, and has been shown to have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of high-intensity interval training.
1. Burns More Calories
One of the primary benefits of HIIT is that it can help you burn more calories in less time. Because HIIT involves short bursts of intense activity, it can be more effective at burning calories than longer, lower-intensity workouts. In fact, research has shown that HIIT can burn up to 30% more calories than other forms of exercise.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
HIIT has also been shown to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, improving blood flow, and decreasing blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that HIIT was more effective at improving cardiovascular fitness than steady-state exercise.
3. Builds Muscle
In addition to burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, HIIT can also help you build muscle. Because HIIT involves short bursts of intense activity, it can be an effective way to build muscle in a shorter amount of time than other forms of exercise. HIIT has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in both men and women.
4. Increases Endurance
HIIT can also help improve endurance by increasing the amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. This can help you perform better in other forms of exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming.
5. Improves Mental Health
Finally, HIIT has been shown to have a number of mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that HIIT was more effective at reducing stress and improving mood than moderate-intensity exercise.
In conclusion, high-intensity interval training has a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. Whether you’re looking to burn more calories, improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, increase endurance, or improve your mental health, HIIT can be an effective and efficient form of exercise. To get started with HIIT, talk to a fitness professional or try a HIIT workout class at your local gym.
