HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ADD IT TO YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE
Finding time to workout can be a bigger challenge sometimes than the actual workout itself. We all lead busy lives and between work, school and familial commitments, there aren’t always enough hours in the day. While many of us wish we had large chunks of time to dedicate to the gym each and every week, it isn’t always feasible. If you find yourself struggling to get in a quality workout while on a time crunch, we have a solution you will want to check out: high intensity interval training, better known as ‘HIIT’.
If you are a member of one of the gyms near Kansas City, you have probably heard of HIIT. Maybe you have even participated in a HIIT workout, but not realized it at the time. Today, we want to take a closer look at just what HIIT is as well as why you should add it to your fitness routine.
WHAT IS ‘HIIT’?
Just as the name suggests, high intensity interval training is meant to be challenging. It is a form of cardio exercise that is meant to elevate you to your next level but in a short amount of time. The idea behind the workout is to alternate between high intensity and medium to low intensity training. It is effective because it gives you both an aerobic and anaerobic workout while also burning more fat.
After properly stretching and warming up, you will jump right into a high intensity interval. You will do this for a set amount of time before switching to something a little slower pace. As soon as that’s done, you’re right back into the high intensity training again.
HIIT workouts can be very diverse and appeal to all types of people. Running on the treadmill, using the stair climber, hopping on the row machine, jumping rope and even lifting weights can all be incorporated into HIIT. By changing it up, you are sure to have more fun and target more areas of your body than just by sticking to one. If you’re not sure where to start, try our BOX + HIIT group fitness class.
REASONS TO TRY ‘HIIT’
Now that you have a little background knowledge about HIIT, check out these reasons why you should incorporate it into your workout routine:
REASON #1: GREAT FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States? That is why it is absolutely vital to make sure that you are getting the proper amount of exercise as well as keeping an eye on your diet. Maintaining good cardiovascular health should be a top priority. Thanks to the nature of HIIT workouts, you can ensure you are targeting heart health.
In fact, HIIT helps to decrease blood pressure and reduce resting heart rates. As a result, this means less strain on your heart on a daily basis. Prolonged strain and stress on the heart plays a huge factor in increasing the risk for a stroke or heart attack.
REASON #2: INCREASES METABOLIC RATE
When hitting up one of the gyms near Kansas City, many people have the goal to lose weight by shedding fat and become a leaner, fitter version of themselves. HIIT can be a great option for doing this, and not just during the workout, either. In fact, HIIT has been shown to increase metabolic rate for up to 24 hours following the completion of the workout. That means that the positive impact of your HIIT workout sticks with you longer than a traditional workout would.
REASON #3: BURN MORE CALORIES
If you are ready for a workout that pushes you to burn more calories, then high intensity interval training is the way to go. One study found that participants who worked out using HIIT burned up to 25-30% more calories than those who did traditional methods of working out. In this particular study, the participants were giving it their all for 20 seconds followed by 40 seconds of rest. This means that they cut more calories by only working for a third of the time.
REASON #4: QUICK WORKOUTS
As mentioned above, the nature of these workouts include a fast interval of movements. The intensity of the movement is sure to be effective quickly, so this type of exercise is great for people who want to workout in a 30 minute window or less. It is the ideal workout to try when visiting one of the gyms near Kansas City when you have to get in and get out in order to get to work or pick up the kids from school.
REASON #5: LOSE MUSCLE
For many strength training enthusiasts, one of their biggest fears is losing progress. That is why some people shy away from cardio, as they don’t want to lose muscle. HIIT is a great compromise, as it allows you to get cardiovascular exercise without sacrificing weight training. In fact, including weight lifting into your HIIT routine can be a fun way to change it up and target new muscle groups.
WRAP UP
It boils down to this: HIIT workouts are extremely beneficial. It can be a great way to shed fat fast while building muscle, improving heart health and boosting your metabolic rate. Plus, you can accomplish a lot in just a short amount of time! While it can be a high impact type of workout, there are modifications that can be made to make for those who need to start off a little slower.
BECOME A WOODSIDE MEMBER
If you are eager to try high intensity interval training, then make sure to check out our group fitness classes. Here at Woodside, one of the best gyms near Kansas City, we offer a wide variety of courses, including various strength training and cardio courses. Or, if you want a more personalized approach, consider working directly with one of our incredible personal trainers. All you have to do is sign up today to become a Woodside member! What are you waiting for? It’s high time you get more than just a run of the treadmill fitness experience.
