Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about the scientific benefits high-intensity interval training (HIIT), we’re going to cover the more practical benefits of making this training method a part of your FizzUp workout program.
Mike Bracko, a sports physiologist and director of the Institute for Hockey Research in Canada, was able to brilliantly sum up how effective high-intensity interval training is with just a few words: “The real advantage of HIIT versus distance training is that you can get the same benefits – such as fat loss, improved muscle cell function, increased oxygen consumption and improved anaerobic capacity – but you don’t have to exercise as long.” With just three 15-minute HIIT workouts three times a week, you’ll make as much progress (and potentially even more) than someone who spends over an hour running. That’s why HIIT is the perfect workout method for people who have tight schedules or aren’t crazy about long workouts.
Anyone who has ever gone on a diet knows that it’s really hard to lose fat without also losing muscle. While workouts with a consistent level of intensity, like distance training, stimulate muscle loss, combining strength training and HIIT will help you protect and build your muscles as you lose weight by burning fat.
What happens is that when your workouts come close to or exceed your maximum intensity (around 100% VO² max), this boosts your hormone production, playing a major role in weight loss and muscle gain. Somatotropin (also called the growth hormone), testosterone, serotonin, endorphins, adrenaline and norepinephrine all help you reach your fitness goals.
People who live a sedentary lifestyle or aren’t really physically active rarely do any anaerobic exercise, which is about three minutes or less of intense physical effort. Doing so quickly makes them feel out of breath and gets their heart pumping much harder than usual. But remember, this intense reaction is what gets you some impressive results.
During a study conducted in 2006 by professors at McMaster University in Canada, they discovered that after eight weeks of using the HIIT method, volunteers could cycle twice as long while maintaining the same pace. Make this method part of your workout program to improve your lung capacity, cardiovascular endurance and your ability to exercise for longer periods of time. You’ll see how helpful this is in everyday life.
Since HIIT workouts only last 20 minutes and typically include bodyweight exercises, such as burpees and mountain climbers, there’s no need to rearrange your busy schedule, buy special equipment or have a lot of space in your house. You can do this kind of workout wherever you want, whenever you want: at home, in your garden, at the beach, at the park, or at the rec center. Turn all these locations into your very own gym.
These high-intensity workouts and their major benefits are big challenges. That’s why it’s so motivating to start a short workout because you know results are guaranteed. Not to mention that there are so many ways you can combine exercises to break up your routine and keep things interesting, unlike going on a long run. You’ll see that the time you take to do a HIIT workout surges your energy and boosts your determination to get in shape.
FizzUp fitness training gives you comprehensive and personalized workout programs that combine strength training, HIIT, abdominal exercises and stretches. A huge variety of workouts is waiting to help you build the skills of an athlete and sculpt the body you want.
With quick and intense HIIT workouts and over 200 bodyweight exercises, you’ll develop a fitness routine that’s all your own. With the FizzUp app, your workout goes where you go to get you visible results in minimum time.
Don’t wait. Get your body back and enjoy the benefits of fantastic fitness when you rely on HIIT and FizzUp fitness training. Other FizzUp users have already experienced the power of HIIT. Check out how Alexandre and Lisa reached their goals with HIIT workouts as part of their FizzUp program.
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