14 HIIT Benefits (7 Reasons to Try High-Intensity Interval)

14 benefits of HIIT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is becoming an increasingly recognized and well-liked method of training with several benefits, including:

1. HIIT is better at burning calories and helps shed unwanted pounds
2. It can improve heart health, increase fat loss, and strengthen and tone the muscles
3. Similar to cardio exercises, such as running and biking, HIIT can strengthen legs and lower body muscles
4. HIIT is a great alternative to routine workouts
5. This workout increases endorphins (the feel-good hormone)
6. It is a great way to lose weight and boost overall health
7. It is a fast workout at a very intense level followed by a slower recovery period, this strategy saves time (higher calorie loss in lesser time)
8. It helps lose weight, build muscle mass, and boost metabolism
9. It stimulates the production of human growth hormone, increasing the overall metabolic rate
10. It increases the body’s ability to eliminate lactic acid buildup through a process of glycolysis that breaks down glycogen and converts it to energy
11. HIIT workouts are the ideal type of exercise for a busy schedule
12. HIIT improves both aerobic and anaerobic performances
13. It can improve oxygen consumption in a shorter time
14. HIIT training has been proven to improve:

What is a HIIT workout?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is very similar to a typical cardio workout, which is done in spurts of 30 seconds to 3 minutes followed by recovering period for about the same time or longer.

This intense workout period ranges from five seconds to eight minutes long and is performed at 80 to 95 percent of your estimated maximal heart rate (maximum number of times the heart will beat in a minute without overexerting). The recovery period may last equally long and is usually performed at 40 to 50 percent of your estimated maximal heart rate.

The activities being performed include sprinting, biking, jumping rope, using a stationary bike, or other bodyweight exercises.

Depending on the activity type, there would be rounds or repetitions of HIIT, and you typically complete four to six repetitions in one workout.

The workout continues with the alternating exercise and relief periods of about 20 to 60 minutes.

Safety concerns with HIIT

Regardless of age, gender, and fitness level, the key to safe participation in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) training is to modify the intensity of the work interval to a preferred challenging level.

Medical clearance before starting HIIT or any exercise training could be an appropriate safety measure for anyone with coronary disease, a family history of heart diseases, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes (or prediabetes), advanced arthritis, abnormal cholesterol levels, and morbid obesity.

Before beginning HIIT training, you should establish a foundational level of fitness referred to as a “base fitness level.” This may consist of aerobic training (three to five times a week for at least 20 to 60 minutes) for several weeks to produce muscular adaptations and improve oxygen transportation to the muscles.

Safety in participation is the primary priority, and you should focus more on finding your optimal training intensities as opposed to keeping up with other people.

How do you develop a HIIT exercise program?

When developing a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, consider the duration, intensity, and frequency of the work intervals and the length of the recovery intervals.

There are several ways to structure exercise to rest ratio. Some people prefer a 1:1 exercise to rest ratio, but a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio works perfectly if you are a beginner or your current fitness level is not too high.

How many times a week can you do a HIIT workout?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are more exhaustive than steady-state endurance workouts. Therefore, a longer recovery period is often needed.

Start with one HIIT training workout a week, with other workouts being the steady-state workouts. As you feel ready for more challenges, add a second HIIT workout a week, making sure you spread the HIIT workouts throughout the week.

The American Heart Association recommends moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) or vigorous activity of 75 minutes (1.25 hours) in a week for all adults.