The Benefits Of Interval Training

HIIT (high intensity interval training) is by no means new to the fit world, but unlike other fitness fads (8-minute abs, the Paleo diet, the Thigh Master 2000) it’s one that is continually getting the thumbs up from scientific studies. For those living under a rock, or on the couch, for the past few years, HIIT workouts work like this: short, intense burst of vigorous exercise (like sprinting, or burpees) are alternated with active, but less intense recovery periods. Sound tempting? Well there’s even a bunch of benefits too.

It’s more efficient

More efficient workouts mean more time for the fun stuff (Netflix)… and who doesn’t want that? One study found that a typical HIIT workout of one-minute intervals could in fact have the same health benefits (for heart, fitness, and muscles) as continuous workouts - but you know, in half the time. Sold!

It burns more calories

Say what now? More calories? Yep, it’s true. And even better, it continues to burn and boost your body’s metabolism for hours post-workout.

It’s good for your heart

There have been many studies that show the positive impact of HIIT workouts on your heart. Some of the possible benefits include improving blood vessel flexibility and function (which in turn lowers blood pressure) and lowering blood sugar levels. One Australian study even showed that it could have an impact on cardiovascular disease risk, which means lowering your risk for things like strokes.

It improves your overall fitness

HIIT workouts push your heart rate more than continuous exercise, which boosts your aerobic capacity. Essentially, it amps up your Vo2 max (a measure of how well your body uses oxygen) so your body becomes better and more efficient at how it uses energy.

It’s just more enjoyable

You may think that it’s a matter of opinion, like Twisties being the superior chip choice (which of course they totally are), but this has actually been backed up in a study by scientific journal PLoS One. It looked at participant’s enjoyment and mood levels after a sesh of both continuous exercise and HIIT, with the latter proving more enjoyable. It’s got to do with the almost-instant gratification and sense of achievement you feel after each little block, rather than having to wait a whole 45 minutes to pat yourself on the back.