It’s no secret that HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) has exploded in popularity in the fitness industry, and it is fast becoming one of the most popular trends for fitness in Minneapolis. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine, HIIT is one of the two top fitness trends for 2015. So what is the hype all about, anyway? Read on to learn more about what HIIT is and how it could work for you!
HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training, is a technique that uses a combination of quick intervals of intense exercise followed by short recovery periods. This increases your heart rate and helps you burn fat and tone muscle in less than half the time of normal cardio exercise. One of the best things about HIIT is that you don’t need any equipment, so you can do your training in the gym, at the park or even in your living room! It’s quick, convenient and definitely will get you into serious shape.
If you’re still feeling skeptical about this fat-torching trend, here are some of the benefits of incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine.
You’ll get healthier.
You’re probably thinking this is a pretty obvious benefit of most forms of exercise, right? Well, what if your training regime could be a form of treatment for your chronic health problems? That’s right, recent studies have shown that high-intensity exercise may be better than normal aerobic activities (and even medication) for patients suffering from conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and pulmonary disease.
These studies also suggest that HIIT specifically is more effective preventing and even reversing the painful effects of many chronic illnesses and ailments. Researchers have found that forcing the body close to its fitness limits for short periods of time, interspersed with brief recovery periods, is much more effective than continuous moderate activity when it comes to improving cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory health.
You’ll break out of that weight loss plateau.
You all know what we mean by this one. You have the same old routine that you do every time you workout. Not only is it boring, but it also isn’t helping your weight loss efforts. “This form of steady-state exercise is very good for developing aerobic fitness, but it does not challenge the anaerobic energy system, which is needed for intense activity such as sprinting or jumping,” says Brian Sutton, a certified personal trainer and director of development at the National Academy of Sports Medicine. “By challenging the anaerobic energy system, you will achieve higher levels of muscular power and can potentially burn a high number of calories during and after your workout, which can accelerate weight loss.” This is mainly because HIIT stimulates the production of your Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is responsible for increased caloric burn. Added bonus – HGH also slows down the aging process. Score!
You’ll get in, get out and get fit.
People love HIIT because although it is a challenging workout, it is insanely efficient. Studies show that 27 minutes of HIIT three times per week produces the same anaerobic and aerobic improvement as 60 minutes of cardio five times per week. Pretty crazy, right? And since HIIT only uses bodyweight, you can workout anywhere! Simply modify your exercises to accommodate your location. If you are confined to a smaller space, some great moves to try include high knees, fast feet and plyometric movements like jumping lunges. There are so many great outdoor spots for fitness in Minneapolis, so you’ll have plenty of options to keep your workout interesting and fun!
Whether you squeeze in a workout during your lunch break or wake up 30 minutes earlier every morning, HIIT is perfect for those with busy schedules or anyone looking to build muscle and burn fat fast. At Be4 Fitness in Minneapolis, it’s my duty to get you into the best shape of your life. I firmly believe that HIIT is an effective and efficient training method for my clients.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly regarding any questions or concerns about this type of training and if it might work for you! Until then: Be Strong, Be Active, Be Mindful and Be in the Moment wherever you are in your life.