High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become a major craze in the world of fitness. With workouts designed to raise your heart rate with periods of intense exercise paired with short rest breaks, it can be a great way to shape up, lose weight or even improve your fitness levels.
Speedflex Trainer Ed Brown explains to HELLO! Online how high-intensity exercise could be the best way to achieve your fitness goals…
© Photo: iStockHIIT workouts can be great for achieving fitness goals
You'll be burning those calories
HIIT alternates bursts of high-intensity activity with periods of low-intensity activity or complete rest, and is perfect for shorter workouts. Studies have also shown that calories burnt over the whole day are higher after doing a high intensity workout. A study from the American College of Sports Medicine found that the EPOC (Excess Post exercise Oxygen Consumption) generally tends to be greater after HIIT, meaning up to 15 per cent more calories can be burned afterwards!
It can improve your mood
Studies have found that mood and energy is increased when taking part in HIIT. In fact, within just a few minutes of training, you could begin receiving a mood boost that can ease anxiety and depression. A study from Nottingham University found that endorphins are released 20 to 30 minutes after short intense exercise. Exercise has undeniable effects on mood and can boost the body’s response to stress and anxiety, making you feel better from the inside, out!
© Photo: iStockThese workouts are great for burning calories
HIIT and go
A quick 30 or 45 minute session of high-intensity exercise is all you need to have an effective workout. Whether you squeeze in a session before work or in your lunch hour, you can no longer use 'lack of time' as an excuse. Once your HIIT session is over you can walk away feeling motivated and energised, knowing you’ve accomplished a full body workout in only a short amount of time.
It could boost productivity
Productivity and efficiency are lifted when doing high intensity training. If you lack energy, HIIT can fill your tank up for a full day at the office. When exercising blood flow increases to the brain which can help sharpen your awareness, meaning you are on top of your game at work.
It can help you be a team player
Exercising is more than simply losing weight or toning up. Speedflex exposes you to a social and fun environment – participants work out in a group which is both challenging and motivating, and can spur you on to help achieve your goals. A recent study by Oxford’s Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology on the university rowing team found that group exercise increases endorphin levels in the brain and resulted in participants' pain threshold being twice as high, as opposed to working out alone.
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