5 Reasons Why You Need HIIT

Have you ever tried HIIT? This intense workout burns a ton of calories in as little as four minutes. It’s a perfect choice for those who are short on time or simply hate cardio. Also known as high-intensity interval training, it offers a full body workout and boosts overall fitness. All you have to do is to alternate between short, intense bursts of exercise and recovery periods, such as 30 seconds of squats of cycling followed by 30 seconds of rest.

Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why you need HIIT:

1. Get Better Results in Less Time

HIIT is the most efficient workout you can try. It enhances both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, preserves muscle, and boosts athletic performance. Research shows that just 27 minutes of HIIT three times per week produce the same results as one hour of traditional cardio five times per week.

2. Burn More Calories

No other workout burns as many calories as HIIT. This training method increases EPOC (excess post exercise oxygen consumption) levels and elevates your heart rate, causing a greater energy expenditure. At the same time, it helps build and maintain lean mass, which further boosts your metabolism.

3. Burn More Fat

High-intensity interval training has been shown to improve body composition, leading to a better muscle-to-fat ratio. With this workout method, you’ll burn fat for up to 48 hours after leaving the gym, not just during your exercise session.

4. Keep Your Heart Healthy

A 2006 study has found that subjects who did HIIT for eight weeks were able to cycle twice as long as they could before starting the experiment. This training method improves cardiovascular health and cardiorespiratory fitness.

5. Get Rid of Stress

Unlike steady state cardio, HIIT lowers the stress hormone cortisol levels, which helps lift your mood and speed up weight loss. Traditional cardio, especially long sessions, is notorious for its ability to increase cortisol production. After a short HIIT session, you’ll feel more relaxed and confident.