HIIT has been a well-received style of training, generally referred to as a great way to get fit in a short duration. It is meant for those who want to stay fit but may not be able to accommodate an hour-long exercise class or gym session. This quick-burst form of training involves 20 to 40 seconds of high-intensity exercise, a short rest period, and repetition of the set. It may sound too simple to be impactful, but experts and those accustomed to this workout routine suggest that HIIT is worthwhile.
The young Michigan-based entrepreneur, and a fitness enthusiast, Chase Campbell, who regularly practices HIIT, suggests pushing oneself to around 90 to 100 percent of one’s maximum effort, for not more than 30 seconds at a time. Having first-hand experience of the workout style, Campbell also recommends taking longer rest breaks between each interval and hiring a HIIT trainer to those who have never been to the gym in the past. Time plays a big role in one’s fitness journey, and this makes HIIT exceptionally effective, asserts the Size Up founder, Campbell.
The typical HIIT routine has proven to speed up metabolism, aid weight loss, and keep the body burning fat for up to 24 hours post-workout. But besides this, here’s a list of other benefits of HIIT:
1. Highly Efficient
HIIT is the perfect workout form for a tight schedule with noticeable results. Whether one hopes to shed weight for a fast-approaching wedding or get in shape and tone their body, it can all be achieved with a mere 15 to 20 minutes of interval training than jogging on the treadmill for 45 minutes. For people who have less than 5 minutes to spare can accommodate an effective HIIT workout in combination with the Tabata training method. This style calls for 20 seconds of workout, 10 seconds of rest, and repetition of the same form for up to 8 to 20 times.
2. Burns Fat Quickly
When compared to steady-state cardio, HIIT workout has evidently shown to burn more calories, that too in a short span. At the same time, the consequence of the intense exertion boosts the body’s repair cycle into hyperspace. This means the individual working out can burn more calories and fat in the 24 hours post a HIIT session than he or she can after, say, a brisk walk or jog of an hour. As someone who has been a regular gym-goer, Campbell suggests, “Find a workout buddy in your family or workplace and introduce them to this workout style. That way, you can both enjoy the workout period, build muscles, and burn fats, all at the same time. At Size Up, across all our stores in Michigan and Florida, I often push my employees to workout in the midst of work, regardless of the environment or their hectic schedules. All that we do is grab a pair of comfortable Size Up gym leggings and hit the floor instantly. To a great extent, having vibrant workout clothes on ourselves and right in front of our sight helps us put in the extra effort to workout and make those full-body movements.”
3. Needs No Equipment
Biking, jump roping, running, and rowing all work well for HIIT, but one does not need equipment to do it. Fast feet, high knees, or just anything plyometric works equally well to get the heart rate up quickly and reap the overall benefits of HIIT.
4. Helps in Losing Weight Without Muscles
When on a diet, it’s tough not to lose muscle mass with fat. Those performing cardio exercises often experience muscle loss, but being an ardent follower of strength training and HIIT, Campbell claims to have noticed that these workout forms, with a balance of diet and support of supplements, preserve the hard-earned muscles. “The weight loss through HIIT happens from the stored fat. So, in a way, it does not hamper the composition of muscles. A lot of my clients who rely on Size Up pre-and post-workout supplements and perform such high-intensity exercises have given me similar feedback. In a way, it’s a win/win,” adds Campbell.
5. Can Be Done Anywhere
Workout with a goat or workout in a boat, HIIT doesn’t demand a systematic space or set-up. Campbell, who spends most of his hours at one of his Size Up stores, was introduced to HIIT by one of his gym-going clients, and since then, the young entrepreneur has modified his workplace. “HIIT proves how adaptable this workout form is. It doesn’t limit one’s workout regime if there’s lack of time or space constraint,” says Campbell.
While HIIT is helpful at building muscle, burning calories, and improving stamina, it is important to follow a diet plan, backed by supplements and proteins, to strengthen one’s training.