High-intensity training has long been popular amongst athletes and trainers because of how effective it can be for our bodies. But what exactly is this high intensity training all about, and why is it so effective? Well, high-intensity interval training or HIIT, in short, involves short bursts of high impact and strenuous activity that will cause your heart rate to skyrocket. Anyone can do these exercises and they range from sprints, circuit training to one of alternately high and low-performance activity.
Researchers found that HIIT exercises cause the metabolic machinery in our muscle cells to improve and promotes fat burning. In addition, the muscle fibres had a significantly higher markup rate for fat oxidation, leading to improved levels of muscle enzymes in the body. With all these benefits from an HIIT regime, there really isn’t a need for one to go back to slow cardio activities that not only waste time but may be ineffective once your body grows accustomed to it.
Now variations of HIIT training exists but one of the most well-known ones include CrossFit and Tabata. Now Tabata is a high-intensity workout program that focusses on weight-loss benefits within a short period of time. It combines both elements of CrossFit and circuit training in order to maximise results for people with a busy schedule. Tabata was first invented by a Japanese physician and researcher after he conducted a study using an HIIT variation. The results were astounding and anaerobic fitness levels improved by 28%. The Tabata regime was thus perfected and subsequently popularised across the world.
The Tabata workouts consist of multiple bodyweight exercises, with some exceptions to the use of weights. You can expect exercises such as mountain climbers, burpees, air squat and on the spot jogs combined together in one circuit to be completed within a time span of half an hour. It is great for days when you’re stuck indoors or need to rush a quick cardio session in your exercise regime before heading out. The workouts are conducted in 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off interval and each circuit can be completed within 4 minutes. Of course, it is imperative that you push yourself to your maximum abilities so that you can properly shock your body to gain the benefits.
As a whole, you can consider doing HIIT in your training if you have limited time in your schedule and would like a fast and efficient way to lose weight. The effects from HIIT have been scientifically proven to work and exercises are easy to put together and start. Give it a try today and we highly doubt that you will regret it.