subject: Get Lean And Fit With Hiit [print this page] For many years fitness experts thought that the only way to lose body fat and improve cardiovascular fitness was by doing long, steady aerobic workouts. While there's no doubt that long, steady aerobic exercise is effective, many fitness experts are now recommending high intensity interval training (HIIT).
HIIT consists of alternating high intensity "work intervals with low to moderate intensity "recovery intervals" over a 10 to 20 minute time period. For example, you sprint 50 yards and then walk 50 yards, and then continue to alternate these work and recovery intervals. Or you run for one minute and then jog for two minutes, and then continue to alternate these work and recovery intervals. Or you pedal at a fast pace on a stationary bike for 30 seconds and then pedal at a slow or moderate pace for 30 seconds, and then continue to alternate these work and recovery intervals. There are many different ways to structure a HIIT workout. Because of the intensity level, HIIT is usually performed only two or three times per week.
Here are the top 5 benefits of high intensity interval training:
1. HIIT burns a lot of calories during the workout and it also causes your metabolism to be elevated for up to 24 hours after the workout is over. A higher metabolism causes your body to burn more calories and body fat 24/7, even when you're relaxing and sleeping. The increase in metabolism from HIIT is much higher and lasts much longer than the increase from traditional aerobic exercise. As a matter of fact, traditional aerobic exercise has very little effect on metabolism.
2. Many studies show that HIIT is more effective at improving cardiovascular fitness than traditional aerobic exercise.
3. HIIT requires a lot less time than traditional aerobic exercise.
4. HIIT improves both aerobic capacity and anaerobic capacity.
5. HIIT improves athletic performance and helps prevent injury. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, HIIT will improve your speed, power and explosiveness, which will improve your athletic performance and help prevent injury.
In conclusion, high intensity interval training is a great way to lose body fat and improve cardiovascular fitness. If you want to get lean and fit, give HIIT a try.
