Fitness fads come and go, and many people thought high intensity interval training was a temporary rage. But, the research is in and the fat-torching benefits of H.I.I.T. are too good to let this workout style become history. Here are a few tidbits of research findings:
- TVO2 Max can increase from 4% to 46% in 24 weeks with this training. VO2 max is the maximal rate of oxygen consumption, the distribution and utilization of oxygen in ml oxygen/kg/min, or in other words, it’s a measurement of one’s aerobic endurance capacity.
- Stroke volume and cardiac output both increase. Translation: a stronger healthier heart.
- High E.P.O.C. (exercise post oxygen consumption, or “after burn”) means you will be burning calories and fat for hours after your workout.
So what exactly does a H.I.I.T. workout entail? The intensity is based on a percentage of maximal effort. So using a rate of perceived exertion scale, you would work at an intensity of 75%, 85%, or 95% of your maximum for intervals ranging from five seconds to eight minutes, with variable resting times in between intervals. Check with a personal trainer for more details and a H.I.I.T. workout custom designed for you.
