How does HIIT benefit the body?

by Best Choice Fitness- Chief Staff Editor July 19, 2023

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a type of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest. It has been shown to have a number of benefits for the body, including:

Weight loss: HIIT is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. A study published in the journal "Metabolism" found that people who did HIIT for 20 minutes three times a week lost more weight and body fat than those who did moderate-intensity exercise for the same amount of time.
Improved cardiovascular health: HIIT can improve your heart health by increasing your VO2 max, which is a measure of how much oxygen your body can use during exercise. A study published in the journal "The American Journal of Physiology" found that people who did HIIT for 12 weeks had a significant increase in their VO2 max compared to those who did moderate-intensity exercise.
Increased muscle mass: HIIT can help you build muscle, even if you're not doing traditional strength training exercises. A study published in the journal "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" found that people who did HIIT for 12 weeks had a significant increase in their muscle mass compared to those who did moderate-intensity exercise.
Improved mental health: HIIT can also have a positive impact on your mental health. A study published in the journal "Frontiers in Psychology" found that people who did HIIT for 12 weeks had a significant decrease in their stress levels and an increase in their self-esteem compared to those who did moderate-intensity exercise.

Overall, HIIT is a great way to improve your overall health and fitness. It is a time-efficient way to burn calories, build muscle, and improve your cardiovascular health. If you are new to exercise, start with a few short HIIT workouts per week and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you get fitter.

Here are some additional benefits of HIIT:

Improved insulin sensitivity: HIIT can help improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: HIIT can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Increased energy levels: HIIT can help give you more energy throughout the day.
Improved sleep quality: HIIT can help you sleep better at night.

If you are considering trying HIIT, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure you don’t have any underlying health conditions that might prohibit such activity.