“It’s the 800-pound gorilla that will single handedly hoist your workout program to the next level. It consists of ‘balls to the wall’ massive output cardio work followed by timed rest periods.”
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), according to the 2015 American College of Sports Medicine’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends, is the #2 fitness trend in the world.
“Great. Another trend.” you say.
But while shrewd fitness enthusiasts reserve the right to be skeptical when new industry trends emerge, HIIT’s success is hard to ignore — mostly because it’s not just another trend.
It’s the 800-pound gorilla that will single handedly hoist your workout program to the next level.
It consists of “balls to the wall” massive output cardio work followed by time rest periods.
This whip-smart approach to maximizing cardiovascular effectiveness is used by both novices and elite fitness individuals.
And here are 19 reasons why you should add HIIT to your regular workout routine … starting now:
1. Real results in a relatively short period of time.
HIIT isn’t a passive approach to exercise. Whether you’re tackling burpees or squatting with barbells, it requires focus and a willingness to push your body to its maximum level. No, there’s nothing passive about it. But after only a couple of weeks, you’re likely to experience some great results with your body and fitness level.
2. Burns fat fast — even after you leave the gym!
One of the many benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training is that it is proven to burn fat fast. The technical term for how this works is called Excess Post-Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). The premise is that you burn more fat by sprinting quickly than you do with a steady-pace run. Because your body isn’t able to take in enough oxygen during the intense workout, it needs to recoup the oxygen deficiency after the workout, boosting your body’s metabolism throughout the day.
3. It’s not just another “holy grail” fitness fad.
Since the 90’s, studies have been conducted by various sources on interval training that have completely changed the way people think of exercise.
Trade journals, such as the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, along with prominent researchers like Izumi Tabata, have contributed a wealth of knowledge that has provided a solid foundation for exercisers alike. In other words, HIIT isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
4. Promotes a healthy heart.
Imagine being able to swim … or play basketball … or run twice as long as you could before, after only two months of doing HIIT workouts — all the while keeping the same pace. That’s exactly what this 2006 study shows. Simply put, getting into the anaerobic zone, the place where oxygen is in short supply and your neighbor can hear your heart thumping against your chest, immensely promotes cardiovascular health.
5. No need for an overpriced gym membership (Unless you really want one!).
Unless you insist on binding contracts, the hassle of a commute, and membership fees you may never get full value from, you don’t need a gym to begin your HIIT workouts. You simply don’t need equipment to get started and the workout can be done anywhere. Gym dilemma solved.
6. Preserves lean muscle during weight loss (You’re welcome!).
Studies show that HIIT workouts preserve lean muscle during weight loss, ensuring dieters that most of their weight loss comes from fat stores. The same can’t be said for steady-state cardio that seems to encourage muscle loss.
7. 100% modifiable to your goals.
Everyone has different exercise goals. The good news is HIIT workouts are completely modifiable to your specific situation, needs and goals. There is no “one size fits all” and there doesn’t need to be.
8. Improves aerobic and anaerobic endurance.
Endurance is always a good thing. HIIT gives you best of both endurance worlds: aerobic endurance (from the lungs and heart) and anaerobic endurance i.e. muscle endurance.
9. Reduces blood pressure.
A study of 24 inactive overweight men, published in PLoS One showed that HIIT-style bouts of high-intensity exercise are an integral part in reducing blood pressure.
“Our data suggest that a single bout of… [4-minute exercise] performed three times per week may be a time-efficient strategy to improve VO2max and reduce blood pressure and fasting glucose in previously inactive but otherwise healthy middle-aged individuals.”
Screw high blood pressure!
10. Respects the recovery process.
HIIT workouts don’t overlook the importance of letting your body recover. It’s being put through the ringer, so you need to give it time to rest in between each workout in order let your body’s recovery process begin.
11. It’s dynamic and engaging.
There’s nothing worse than being bored with a workout. It’s uninspiring and counterproductive to your fitness goals. HIIT is challenging, it’s on the go and it demands your attention.
12. It’s short … You can literally get it done on your lunch break!
Forget about spending an hour in the gym with long, drawn out and even ineffective workouts. 20 minutes will give you everything you can handle. Pop your workouts into your weekly calendar and get them done.
13. It’s accessible to almost everybody.
No matter your age, fitness level, gender … almost anybody can use HIIT to suit their fitness goals. Due to its intense nature, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before starting.
14. It adds variety to an existing weight training or body weight exercise program.
There’s no need to stop lifting weights or resistance training just because you want to take up interval training. You can do both. In fact, you should. Why not challenge yourself?
15. You only have to do it 2-3 times a week.
HIIT training should not be done every day. Two to three times a week is enough. Any more than that and you run the risk of injury. So feel free to enjoy your days off. You’ll look forward to them.
16. Used by professional athletes.
From UFC Fighters to NFL stars, HIIT is used to provide an edge to athletes who participate in elite level sporting events. If they’re using it … they might, just might be on to something.
Anderson Silva taking a water break with his Juke Performance MASS Suit.
17. Creating workout routines is easy to do.
There are tons of HIIT routines and exercises to choose from. Take your pick and get to work.
18. It’s almost impossible to make mistakes.
Putting these workouts to work for you isn’t rocket science. Besides making the biggest mistake, overtraining and not allowing enough recovery time, HIIT training is fairly straightforward.
19. Awesome sense of accomplish in minimum time.
Harnessing the power of momentum contributes to a great sense of accomplishment — especially with exercise and fitness. Combine that with awesome results within a relatively short period of time and you’re well on your way HIIT-ing your fitness success out of park!
Here are more ways to bring High-Intensity Interval Training into your life! https://buffedd.com/what-is-the-best-hiit-workout/
There you have it … your 19 reasons and more to get started with High-Intensity Interval Training right now!
