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High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a form of cardiovascular exercise that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercise and periods of lower-intensity exercise or rest. The high-intensity intervals are typically performed at or near maximum effort, while the lower-intensity intervals component allows for recovery and preparation for the next high-intensity interval.

The duration of HIIT workouts can vary, but they generally last between 10 to 30 minutes, with a ratio of work to rest periods ranging from 1:1 to 1:4. HIIT can be performed using a variety of exercises, such as running, cycling, rowing, or bodyweight exercises like burpees or jumping jacks.

HIIT has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in burning calories, improving cardiovascular fitness, and increasing muscular endurance. It has also been shown to be a time-efficient way to improve health and fitness compared to longer, steady-state cardio workouts.

high-intensity exercise periods

Benefits of HIIT

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) provides a challenging, time-efficient, and effective way to improve fitness and health. There are many other benefits of HIIT training too, here are some of them:

• Efficient energy consumption: HIIT burns more calories per minute than many other types of cardio exercises.
• Improved cardiovascular fitness: HIIT improves cardiovascular health by increasing the heart's efficiency in delivering oxygen to the body.
• Improved muscular endurance: HIIT helps improve muscular endurance by stimulating the growth of new muscle fibers.
• Increased metabolic rate: HIIT can increase your metabolic rate for hours after your workout, leading to more calories burned throughout the day.
• Convenient and time-efficient: HIIT can be done in a short amount of time, making it a convenient and time-efficient way to improve fitness.
• Reduced boredom: HIIT workouts can be varied and exciting, reducing the boredom that can come with traditional steady-state cardio workouts.
• Can be done anywhere: HIIT workouts can be done with minimal equipment, making them accessible to people who do not have access to a gym or exercise equipment.
• Can be customized: HIIT can be customized to fit different fitness levels, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels and abilities.

Related Pages

• About Interval Training
• Low-intensity training isn't the best for fat burning
• Heart rate intensity table
• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale
• All about Aerobic Endurance Fitness

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