If you’ve heard the word HIIT around the gym but are not completely sure why it is recommended for weight loss, let is tell why what makes HIIT such a great workout. High-intensity interval training is a workout that alternates between bursts of energetic activity and periods of slow activity or rest.
An example of a beginner’s HIIT workout is running as fast as you can for a minute and then walking slowly to get your breath and energy back for another two minutes. This needs to be repeated five times if you are working out for 15-minutes. Even though this might seem like a short workout, HIIT training has loads of benefits.
Why HIIT is the Best Workout for Weight Loss
The concept of HIIT is simple- working harder instead of for longer periods of time. It requires you to focus on intense and quick bursts by putting in all your energy and then following up with a small recovery period. Doing this over and over increases your heart rate, burning fat and calories in a shorter amount of time to get you closer to your goal.
Now that we have established that HIIT is the best workout for weight loss, let’s understand how it burns fat. According to studies, HIIT helps improve insulin sensitivity from a range of 23 to 58 percent. This is extremely important as insulin sensitivity kickstarts the process of weight loss.
Individuals who suffer from insulin resistance, such as those who suffer from diabetes, have a harder time losing weight. Moreover, HIIT also boosts the amount of energy burnt post-workout, also known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption.
The Afterburn of HIIT
After a good HIIT session, the calories used and oxygen consumed remain high as the muscles in the body work hard to restore metabolic and physiological components in the cells. This allows everything in your body to go back to how it was pre-exercise. Due to this process, the calorie burn post-workout remains higher and longer.
Simply put, after a HIIT workout, your body will burn more calories compared to any other kind of low impact workout, such as walking. This afterburn effect is what will help you lose weight.
Hormone Effect of HIIT
There are also two hormones that HIIT affects- norepinephrine and epinephrine- both of which play a crucial role in weight loss. These hormones are also called adrenaline and non-adrenaline or the fight or fight hormones. They kickstart the process of breaking down fat, also known as lipolysis.
Moreover, studies show that HIIT is a great workout for those who want to reduce lower abdominal fat- the fat that surrounds the stomach. This is surprising as many individuals struggle losing abdominal fat but with consistent HIIT workouts, the results have never been better!
Remember, spot-reduction is not possible but if you have tried everything else and feel like you cannot lose weight- don’t give up. Eat clean and find a HIIT coach who can help you with your training.
Conclusion
If you are looking to get started with your workout regimen, you can register for the Coopers Troopers Bootcamp session. This session is a great way to move your body and shape your goals according to what you are looking for, whether that means losing weight or gaining strength.