HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training
High Intensity Interval Training - H.I.I.T. or HIIT involves intervals of high-intensity exercise (such as running at 90% of your max heart rate) followed by low intensity (walking at a moderate pace) or complete rest for a short period of time - usually at a 2:1 ratio of exercise to rest. This is in sharp contrast to the typical steady-state cardio most people do at a moderate intensity, such as walking on a treadmill at 60-70% of their max heart rate.
HIIT was originally developed by track coaches to train runners, but it has crossed over to the fitness industry due to its fat-burning benefits confirmed many times over in scientific studies. A lot of these studies found that subjects performing HIIT burned significantly more body fat—and in less time—than those who did steady-state cardio programs.
The major reason HIIT works so well for dropping body fat is due to the greater calorie burn as a result of creating EPOC. In addition to this increase in resting metabolism, HIIT is effective at enhancing the mechanisms in muscle cells that promote fat burning and blunt fat storage.
This format can be utilized strictly for cardio training, or incorporated into weight lifting or bodyweight training either by applying it to the exercises themselves, or by adding it in between exercises, such as the cardioacceleration, which we will talk about next.
HIIT was originally developed by track coaches to train runners, but it has crossed over to the fitness industry due to its fat-burning benefits confirmed many times over in scientific studies. A lot of these studies found that subjects performing HIIT burned significantly more body fat—and in less time—than those who did steady-state cardio programs.
The major reason HIIT works so well for dropping body fat is due to the greater calorie burn as a result of creating EPOC. In addition to this increase in resting metabolism, HIIT is effective at enhancing the mechanisms in muscle cells that promote fat burning and blunt fat storage.
This format can be utilized strictly for cardio training, or incorporated into weight lifting or bodyweight training either by applying it to the exercises themselves, or by adding it in between exercises, such as the cardioacceleration, which we will talk about next.
BEST FOR:
Weight Loss/Fat Burning, Improving Endurance/Cardiovascular Performance
GOOD FOR:
Building Lean Muscle/Toning
NOT FOR:
Injury Rehabilitation/Recovery, Improving Flexibility
Weight Loss/Fat Burning, Improving Endurance/Cardiovascular Performance
GOOD FOR:
Building Lean Muscle/Toning
NOT FOR:
Injury Rehabilitation/Recovery, Improving Flexibility