High intensity interval training, HIIT, has been gaining popularity. You see different YouTube videos endorsing this type of exercise. Your gym might also be conducting classes for HIIT. But what does HIIT entail? Let’s find out!
So, what is HITT?
HIIT is not your average exercise session that just involves doing the steps; it has a proper science to it. For to do it, one has to push their heart rate up, followed by a break. This ensures that you do workout at full throttle, but the low intensity recovery periods are also important.
A form of cardio, HIIT involves working out with short bursts; you work out at full intensity for a few seconds, and then take a break for a few, repeating the circuit eventually.
Since HIIT is high in intensity, it is not fit for everyone. Those with musculoskeletal issues should first discuss it with an expert like Best Physiotherapist in Lahore, before taking the exercise up.
Moreover, it is also important to consider the merits and demerits of the exercise, so you can make a more informed decision about your exercise regimen.
What are the pros of HIIT?
Endurance
Even though you have to put 30 seconds or so of high intensity workout, but these 30 seconds are rather tough, since you completely take your body out of the comfort zone. Over time, this then helps in building endurance, as your body becomes stronger.
Good for health
High intensity interval training promotes health overall. It helps in lowering the risk of high blood pressure. It is also good for diabetics, as it aids in blood sugar regulation. Furthermore, it also helps in making the heart stronger.
Good for fat loss
HIIT helps in utilizing the fat reserves in the body. Those looking for losing weight can thus benefit from HIIT.
Lean muscles
High intensity interval training is also great for toning your body. As fat is used by, and the muscles are employed, the body then becomes leaner.
Quick results in short time
HIIT helps in burning greater amounts of calories. Moreover, it also increases the metabolic rate of the body as well, so your use of energy is more efficient.
Most HIIT sessions last from 10 to 30 minutes and getting a great response in relatively small amount of time is a hallmark of this exercise.
No space constraints
Many exercises like a space like the gym, which can be limiting. HIIT, on the other hand, can be literally done anywhere. Most types utilize little to no equipment, and undertakes body weight training, so you are not constrained by space, rather, lack thereof.
What are the cons of HITT?
Demanding
HIIT, as the name also suggests, is very demanding. It might not be suitable for people who cannot keep up with such intense exercise. Moreover, it might also not be very beginner friendly, as it requires the condition of being in the best form for the first few seconds.
Stresses the body
The key principle with HIIT is that it causes your body to enter stress, which also helps in pushing the limits of your endurance. But too much stress over time can also have a negative impact on your body.
Furthermore, there will come a time when the body plateaus in response to this stress, after which the toning and the weight loss stops. This can demotivate people who were otherwise conditioned to relatively rapid change in their appearance.
Risk of injury
Although injury is a risk with any exercise, but high intensity exercises like HIIT pose greater risk of injury, not only during the session but improper recovery can also increase the chances of injury.
In case you do get injured, stop with the exercise, lest you make the matters worse. Try to get to a doctor and consult the Best Physiotherapist in Karachi for help with the pain management and recovery.
