High-Intensity Interval Training Burns More Calories in Lesser Time

We live at a time and age when we want to derive the maximum out of any bargain and this desire extends to our work-out regime too, where we want to derive the maximum benefit with very little time invested. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a fitness regime that alternates between bursts of  high–intensity exercises and  low–intensity exercises or even total rest. HIIT helps to improve a person’s fitness in short sessions by cutting out exercise time and by increasing oxygen consumption, which in turn leads to increased metabolism.

Therefore, the initial phase of HIIT requires a person to raise heart rates to 85%, or more, beyond its maximum capacity. The maximum heart rate is calculated by subtracting a person’s age from 220 and by multiplying that value by 85. The resulting value, which is the target heart rate, decides on the maximum calories a person may burn during work out.

Studies have shown that HIIT is capable of burning calories within 24 hrs of a session. While it is usually the choice method that may be incorporated for cardiovascular workouts, it may also be considered for weight-lifting or sport-specific work outs.

There are some points to be considered while doing a HIIT. The foremost one is to choose your interval in accordance with your fitness level. The high-intensity phase must be doable and tough during which time the person should not be able to utter a full sentence. The interval after the high-intensity phase must be a very short one, the idea being to allow the person to push himself.

HIIT sessions last 20-30 minutes and are usually grueling. Some people alternate one minute of walking with 30 seconds of jogging while others alternate 2 minutes of sprint with 3 minutes of jogging. The warm up before the exercises and the cool down after exercising are very important. It is also important to remember that you do not have to be in the best of shapes to do HIIT.

To put it in a nut shell, HIIT enables increased fat loss and metabolic boost in lesser time than your routine method of exercising.

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However, before you start on your HIIT, do not forget to consult your doctor. If you receive approval, then add HIIT to your exercise regime and engage in it at least once a week for better results.

Source-Medindia