The Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

The Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

We all know how great it is to exercise daily for our physical and mental well-being. However, most of us only have a little time to work on our health. Between jobs and studies or managing your house and giving time to our hobbies, there is little room for this kind of stuff.

It is estimated that about 20% of the population worldwide doesn’t get enough physical activity daily that their body needs to keep functioning properly.

women training

What if we told you there is a way to get maximum exercise and its health benefits in minimum time? HIIT or high-intensity interval training can help you do that. In this article, we will discuss what HIIT is and why you need to add this to your daily routine, so stay with us till the end.

What is HIIT?

HIIT is a type of exercise where you perform short bursts of intense physical movements followed by a short rest or some mild-intensity exercise. The intense exercise usually takes about 45 seconds to a few minutes per rep, and then you rest for the same amount of time to relieve pressure on your muscles.

A typical HHIT workout lasts about 10 to 30 minutes and includes workouts like sprinting, biking, squats, flutter kicks, jump rope, plank, etc. In one HIIT workout, you can complete about 4-6 reps of one or more exercises which speeds up your heart rate and burns a lot of calories and fats.

shredded athlete

With HIIT, you get to enjoy the health benefits of longer-duration workouts in a fraction of the time. This makes this exercise quite popular among athletes and the general public.

Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training

HIIT offers various health benefits, and in this section, we are going to share with you a few of these, so stay with us

Burn More Calories in Less Time

According to research, about 30 minutes of HIIT burns 25-30% more calories than simple exercise. In this study, there was a 40-second rest after every 20 seconds of intense workouts like running, weight training, planking, etc.

athletes working out

With HIIT using premium quality fitness accessories, you can burn a lot more calories in only one-third of the time. This way, you get to save a lot of your time without compromising your health or fitness.      

Enhanced Oxygen Consumption

These workouts can improve the ability of your muscles to consume and utilize oxygen. One study showed an improvement in oxygen consumption to be as high as 9% after 20 minutes of HIIT workouts 4-days a week and for about five weeks.

It has been found that about 60 minutes of HIIT yields equal, if not better, results than 120 minutes of traditional workouts per week.       

Reduces Blood Sugar

HIIT workouts have been found to not only reduce blood sugar levels but also enhance insulin resistance. This makes these workouts very effective for people who run the risk of having type 2 diabetes and those who already have it.

People with diabetes of any type can use HIIT to maintain a steady blood sugar level, reducing the risks of developing other diabetes-related complications. 

Improves Cardiovascular Health

People with different cardiovascular conditions can also benefit from HIIT to improve their overall heart health. This type of exercise improves blood pressure and cholesterol measures, which reflect positively on your overall health.

A healthy diet combined with HIIT and the right gear prevents the build-up of plaque and consequent clogging of your arteries, leading to heart attacks and seizures.       

Relieves Mental Stress

If you are stressed often, and there is no way for you to channel all that energy positively, you can go with HIIT. These workouts can be done in minimum time and without expensive gym equipment, allowing you to stay relaxed.

These workouts consume very little time, and while doing these, you must stay utterly focused. This helps you forget your worries for some time and reduces mental stress.

Strengthens Your Bones

Suppose you perform these workouts under the sun daily. In that case, you can provide your body with a much-needed supply of vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for strong muscles and bones, and with HIIT, you can give your body this facility.

push up exercise

These workouts help your whole body absorb and utilize nutrients that it needs to keep functioning properly, and that helps you stay energetic and active. Using quality fitness apparel makes it easier for you to undergo an intense HIIT workout session.       

Eases Stiffness in Your Muscles

If your muscles are overly rigid and you feel unformattable making regular moments, you need to move your body more. And the best way to do that is by doing HIIT. 

man boxing

If you are in the habit of sitting or standing for long periods, then you can do HIIT to keep your muscles flexible and eliminate stiffness.  

Effective for Muscle Gain

Another benefit of HIIT is that it helps you gain more muscles and improve their tone. You can do these workouts and see visible growth in your trunk, legs, and arms muscles.

Thus, with HIIT, you get to lose extra fats and calories while gaining a beautiful and ripped body simultaneously. 

Final Thoughts

HIIT workouts can be added to your daily routine in many ways, and it is easy to get started with these, and for most of these workouts, you don’t even need to buy any gym equipment.

athlete pumped

If you want to burn more calories faster but don’t have much time, you can consider HIIT, and we assure you will find the results more than satisfactory.

Visit Green Hill Sports to explore our wide range of premium quality accessories for HIIT workout sessions.