HIIT: An effective exercise for fitness and burning off weight

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is quick, efficient, and effective. It is designed to burn fat and boost cardiovascular capacity while sparing lean muscle mass. HIIT is the antitheses of long, slow cardio workouts like low-intensity jogging, and when it is used by a properly-conditioned athlete, they get in shape relatively quickly.

As originally conceived, interval training programs incorporated short sprints into a longer, medium-intensity jogging workout. Typically, trainees would alternate thirty-second sprints with sixty seconds of moderate jogging, repeating the pattern 10 times or more. These workouts were often called “wind sprints” and they were a mainstay of many sports programs. The overall level of intensity that trainees could achieve during these HIIT workouts was greater than that which they could reach if they were training at a more maintainable rate.

Several researchers in the field of exercise physiology have verified that interval training is more efficient than traditional cardio workouts. Their work shows that this style of exercise is ideal for reducing the levels of body fat while also maintaining a significant amount of lean muscle mass. Most studies of this type were conducted with young, healthy test subjects, but recent anecdotal evidence shows that anyone who is prepared for the rigors of high-intensity training will receive similar benefits to those detailed in the studies.In fact it is the most efficient workout to lose belly fat

Some well-known variations on Interval training are all the rage in fitness circles. Tabata training, which is named for the Japanese researcher who proved its effectiveness, is the latest trend in cardio. This style of training uses quick intervals, perhaps as short as 15 seconds, and even shorter rest periods, to burn fat and spare muscle, all while getting in shape. Difficult workouts like these are not for everyone, but they produce undeniable results.

The days when wind sprints were the only game in town are now over. These days, athletes in many different disciplines use high intensity interval training principles to design their workouts. The levels of muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity achieved by these athletes are greater than those possible with outmoded methodologies. HIIT is not easy on the trainee, but the results are undeniable.

High intensity interval training is no longer the sole purview of track coaches. It is now used by numerous athletes training for a wide range of different activities.

Just remember not too go too hard when you first start out, it takes a little while to get used to. You are advised to start out with only doing four to six sprint repetitions with ample rest before moving on to longer workouts. A great place to begin is the Lose Belly Fat Fast workout for beginners.