HIIT Workouts – Understanding What They Are & Their Importance
High intensity interval training, also known as HIIT workouts, is a broad term for workouts that involve short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low intensity recovery periods. Incorporating HIIT into your exercise routine can help further weight loss and increase stamina. First introduced in the 1950s, HIIT sessions have been a popular top fitness trend since 2014. They can be fun and enjoyed in both individual and group sessions.
Read more below to discover further benefits and how HIIT compares to steady state cardio.
What Are HIIT Workouts?
One HIIT session involves both aerobic and strength (resistance) training. It can be in various exercise formats, such as running (outdoors or on a treadmill), dancing, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, or stair climbers.
How Do HIIT Workouts Compare to Steady State Cardio?
Compared to a traditional steady state cardio workout where the intensity level stays the same, such as running or biking, HIIT sessions are shorter and generally last 30 minutes. But because of the vigorous intensity, it can boost your heart rate much quicker, to approximately 80% of your maximum heart rate. Each exercise lasts from 1-4 minutes. Together with the recovery periods in between, it encourages maximum effort without bringing on too much fatigue. Therefore, HIIT is claimed to achieve similar amounts of fitness benefits to a longer steady state cardio workout.
Four Major Benefits of HIIT workouts:
- HIIT can burn many calories in a short amount of time. Researchers have reported that HIIT can burn 25–30% more calories than other forms of exercise.
- HIIT not only burns more calories during the session but also hours after! There are several studies proving that HIIT increases your metabolism for hours after exercise, more so than jogging or weight training.
- HIIT sessions can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, primarily in people who are overweight or obese and who also have high blood pressure.
- HIIT improves performance in both anaerobic and aerobic activities. Whether you’re a professional athlete or you enjoy running around with your kids, HIIT training will improve your performance during these tasks with just a few short sessions per week.
Looking To Learn More?
Changing your exercise routine to include high intensity interval training can provide variety and health benefits. If you are interested in making changes to the exercises you perform, are looking to start exercising more or need help with recovering from an injury we are available to help.
We offer sports injury physiotherapy as well as physical therapy to kids and adults that focuses on personalised needs. Call the Pivotal Motion physio Brisbane team on 07 3352 5116 or contact us online and learn how we can assist you.
