Time is precious, and it always seems like we’re running out of it. Between everything else we need to do, trying to fit in a lengthy workout can be tough. But, did you know that you don’t need to spend ages at the gym to stay fit and healthy?
That’s where High-Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT for short) comes in. HIIT is a way to exercise that mixes short, intense bursts of activity with brief rest periods. With HIIT, you work up a real sweat and keep your heart pumping at over 80% of its maximum rate. The best part? It saves you time without skimping on fitness benefits!
Research says that your body keeps burning calories even after a HIIT workout. It helps control your blood pressure, trim body fat and weight, lowers cholesterol, and boosts your overall health. So, with FITPASS, you can join HIIT classes at various gyms near you, or even when you’re on the move!
Interested in HIIT? Here’s why you should be:
1. Calorie-Burning Powerhouse: During HIIT, your body taps into its energy stores, and your metabolism stays fired up even when you’re done. So, you don’t just burn calories during your workout; you continue to do so afterward. Your body needs a lot of oxygen for HIIT, which boosts calorie burn.
2. Quick Recovery: HIIT generates metabolic waste (like lactic acid) in your muscles. The short rest periods in HIIT help clear this waste, allowing your muscles to keep working hard. What’s more, HIIT trains your body to recover fast after intense sessions.
3. Short But Sweet: You’d rate a HIIT workout 8 or above on a 1 to 10 intensity scale. You keep at it until you’re out of breath or for 30 seconds, whichever comes first. Take a breather and then jump back in. A typical HIIT session includes 5-7 minutes of warm-up and at least 5 bursts of high-intensity work, rounded off by a 4-6 minutes cool-down period.
4. Muscle Builder: HIIT puts your muscles through the wringer. This triggers your body to release hormones that repair muscle damage and promote muscle growth. Result? HIIT classes can increase muscle size and definition.
With HIIT, you can bust the myth that you need long hours at the gym to lose weight and bulk up. Remember to give your body enough recovery time though. Aim for not more than three HIIT sessions per week for the best benefits.
Happy training!
