5 BENEFITS OF HIIT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a workout that alternates between a high-intensity exercise and periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. HIIT training has gained popularity over the years as it is time effective and has a range of health benefits.

Here are 5 Major Health Benefits of Performing a HIIT workout:

LOSE WEIGHT

During a HIIT workout, you not only burn more calories than steady-state cardio, but the impact of all that concentrated effort kicks your body's repair cycle into hyperdrive.

Meaning you burn more fat and calories within the 24 hours after a HIIT workout than you do after a steady-pace run.

BUILD ENDURANCE

V02 max is known as a measure of aerobic fitness related to an individual's capacity to perform long periods of moderate to vigorous exercise. Studies have shown that in a shorter period, HIIT leads to significant improvement in v02 max compared to other types of exercise.

SAVE TIME

HIIT is an efficient way to exercise and can be an excellent option for time-poor people. A 2014 study found that just 30 minutes of HIIT three times a week can be very beneficial in improved blood pressure, cholesterol, lung, and heart health, not to mention weight loss and general well-being!

LIVE LONGER

A study by Mayo Clinic has suggested that HIIT may reverse signs of cellular aging. It does this by boosting the production of proteins in cells that are important for normal body function—a process that normally declines during aging. So you’ll not only feel younger and more energetic, you’ll look it!

5 Major Health Benefits of Performing a HIIT workout - Live Longer

IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH

HIIT does not only benefit your body. It can also be great for your headspace. Research has shown that performing a HIIT workout twice per week improves cognitive function and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.

5 Major Health Benefits of Performing a HIIT workout - Improve Mental Health

How Many HIIT Workouts Should You Do a Week?

Completing a HIIT workout every day does not leave your body much time to recover between sessions. For your body to fully recover, rest for 48 hours between each HIIT workout. Two to three HIIT workouts each week is the recommended amount.