by Carson Smith
There is no doubt that HIIT workouts are trending right now! Everywhere you look people are advertising fast, intense, cardio heavy workouts that will change your body...but how?
What is HIIT, and why is it so effective?
HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval training. That means breaking your workout into intervals that alternate between increasing and decreasing your heart rate. This is done by using cardio bursts strategically paired with periods of rest. HIIT workouts not only benefit your cardiovascular system, but they can dramatically alter your physical appearance as well. Check out the added benefits of a HIIT style workout below, and try adding them into your fitness routine to increase your results!
5 Benefits of a HIIT Workout:
You burn calories up to 48 hours post workout! While you may burn the same amount of calories during a 30 minute HIIT session as you would during a 30 minute steady-state workout (i.e an easy run or bike ride) the real magic happens AFTER your workout. This is a result of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). EPOC occurs as your body works to heal itself after your intense workout and build more muscle!
You may get results faster. When your heart rate is high you burn more calories! So with a more intense workout, and the added benefits of EPOC, you can cram more of a calorie burn into a shorter workout. With healthy nutrition and consistent exercise, you can expect to see your body lean out and get stronger!
It’s a Total Body Workout. Whether you are lunging, jumping, or holding a plank, HIIT workouts engage multiple muscle groups at one time. Not only does this keep your heart rate elevated, it helps to build an overall stronger body. You won’t have to worry about missing leg day, or overtraining one area of the body, a good HIIT workout will target all of your major muscle groups.
HIIT workouts improve oxygen and blood flow. Simply put, your heart pumps blood through your circulatory system to deliver oxygen to your muscles and organs. The stronger your heart, the more capable it is to do its job! A 2020 study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that just one HIIT session improved blood flow to the brain.
No equipment necessary. Aside from all of the AMAZING health benefits tied to HIIT workouts, the best part is that they can be done anywhere. With the goal to keep your heart rate up, added equipment can get cumbersome or slow you down. Bodyweight exercises are easy to transition between and keep you moving at a faster pace. All you need for a good workout is water, a towel, and YOUR motivation!
Looking to try a HIIT workout to see these amazing benefits? Join us Tuesdays at 6:00pm in City Park for HIIT Ya Brass - a 45 minute bodyweight workout. You’ll leave stronger, healthier, and one step closer to your fitness goals!
