High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that has gained popularity over the years in the world. It consist of short bursts of intense exercises followed by sessions of rest or low-intensity exercises. This type of training has been praised for its efficiency and effectiveness, but as we all know nothing is perfect or 100% effective in this entire world so, it also has its drawbacks. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of HIIT and I’ll help you in deciding whether it’s the right choice for you or NOT ?
Table of Contents
What is High Intensity Interval Training?
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by sessions of rest or lower-intensity exercises. It is a popular and effective form of cardiovascular training which can help us to improve our fitness, burn fat, and in building muscle.And this makes us more agile and proactive in our day-to-day life.
How does HIIT work?
HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. As the words best describe itself “a type of training which involves high intensity exercises followed by short interval of rest or low intensity exercises.This method helps us to maximize the amount of calories burned during a workout and which helps in improving our cardiovascular health. During the intense periods, the goal is to reach near maximum effort of ours, and during the rest periods, the goal is to allow for some recovery so that the next intense period can be reached by us. This cycle is repeated by us again and again for the entire session of the workout.
Examples of HIIT exercises
Here I’m providing you the list of some HIIT exercises which includes Burpees,Jump Squats, Mountain Climbers,Plank Jacks,Jumping Lunges,Plank Up-Downs,Skipping,High Knees,Squat Jumps,Kettlebell Swings and many more.
The Pros of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Efficient and effective workouts : HIIT is one of the most efficient and effective type of workout. It involves intense training of exercises with short periods of rest or low intensity exercises, which allows you to get the most out of your workout in a very short span of time. It also help you in burning more calories than traditional cardio workouts, so you can get more value for yourself in your given time for workout. Additionally, HIIT workouts can be tailored to your specific fitness level and goals, which makes them even more effective and efficient at personal level.
- Improved cardiovascular health : HIIT workouts can help in improving your cardiovascular health. It is because when we do such kind of exercises then multiple muscles of our body get involved into it and oxygen is needed at that very muscle part to avoid cramping, so to fulfill the supply of oxygen our heart rate and blood flow get increased. This can lead to a lower risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
- Increased metabolism and fat loss : It also helps in improving our metabolism. And as we know if our metabolism is good then our body becomes capable enough to transform more and more energy from the food that we eat, which can help us in burning more calories throughout the day, even when we’re not working out. HIIT workout is the best way to burn calories and lose weight , also It is very much time efficient. As compared to normal cardio exercises it helps us in burning more calories in very short span of time.
- Versatile and Adaptable : We can customize HIIT workouts according to our fitness levels and goals. And the best part is that, it doesn’t requires too many gym equipments.We can also do it with a variety of exercises,which makes it even more easy to switch up with your daily routine and avoid boredom.
- Can Improve Athletic Performance : HIIT workouts helps athletes to improve their endurance, speed, and power,which makes it an excellent choice for athletes, who are looking to enhance their performance.
The Cons of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- High Risk of Injury : HIIT workouts involves high-intensity exercises which require proper form and technique to prevent injury. If you’re a new to those exercises or you have any health concerns, then it’s better for you to consult with a professional before starting a HIIT workout routine.
- Not Suitable for Everyone : HIIT workouts are not really suitable for everyone, including those with certain health conditions or previous injuries. It’s very important for them to consult with a professional before starting any exercise routine.
- Can Be Too Intense for Some : HIIT workouts are such kind of workouts which becomes too intense for some individuals,which leads them to burnout, exhaustion, or even injury. So it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust the intensity level accordingly.
- Potential for Overtraining : HIIT workouts can be addictive, and some individuals may be tempted to overtrain it, which leads them to burnout, exhaustion, or even injury. It’s very essential to balance HIIT with other forms of exercise and rest days.
- May Not Be Sustainable Long-Term : HIIT workouts are really so intense, so it can be challenging for an individual to sustain long-term due to its high intensity. Some individuals may find it even more difficult to stick to a certain routine or may experience burnout or exhaustion.
FAQs
Q.How often should I do HIIT workouts?
𝗔𝗻𝘀 : It’s recommended to do HIIT workouts 2-3 times per week, with rest days in between. You change it according to your fitness goals and health condition.
Q.How long should I do HIIT workout?
𝗔𝗻𝘀 : HIIT workouts can range from 10-30 minutes, depending on your fitness level and goals.
Q.What are some examples of HIIT exercises?
𝗔𝗻𝘀 : Examples of HIIT exercises include sprinting, jumping jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers, etc.
Q.What should I eat before and after HIIT?
𝗔𝗻𝘀 : Before HIIT: It is important to eat something before a HIIT workout in order to give your body energy and prevent fatigue. Eating a small snack such as a banana, a piece of toast with peanut butter, or a handful of nuts and seeds can give you the energy you need to get through your workout.
After HIIT: After a HIIT workout, it is important to refuel your body with healthy nutrients. Eating a balanced meal that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will help you to repair your muscles and replenish your energy stores. Good post-workout meal ideas include grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and quinoa, or a salad with grilled salmon, avocado, and quinoa.
Conclusion
Atlast, I want to say that HIIT workouts have both pros and cons. On one hand, if it offers time-efficient calorie burn, cardiovascular health benefits, and can improve athletic performance. On the other hand, it come with a high risk of injury, may be too intense for some individuals, and are not suitable for everyone.But still it totally depends on an individual, their fitness goals and health conditions. And most importantly whether they are eager enough to change their lives in their very own way. So, finally I must conclude that HIIT can be a great addition to anyone’s daily routine to make them even more productive and proactive than ever before.
Thank you! For reading till here and if you want some more details about HIIT, then please share your thoughts🤔💭 in comment box below. And 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 “𝗪𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁?”