High Intensity Interval Training.
Millions of Americans don’t engage in that much moderate exercise….
“I don’t have time.”
What is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?
- Short intense period of exercise, followed by rest
- Instead of continuous moderate-intensity exercise for 20-30 minutes, as is typical for walkers, joggers and cyclists, HIIT involves 30 to 60 seconds of high-intensity exercise near peak heart rate, followed by a period of recovery.
Better than standard “cardio”?
High-intensity exercise may be better than regular aerobic activities for many patients with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, joint problems and other musculoskeletal issues.
- More demanding, but more efficient form of exercise
- Now being studied as a treatment that is sometimes as effective as medication for many people with chronic health problems
- Interval training is more effective at enhancing the patients’ physical fitness and reducing body fat relative to lean muscle tissue
How can you implement HIIT?
- Various activities can be adapted to interval training, including cycling, swimming, walking and jogging, especially on a machine like a stationary bike or treadmill.
- Take the stairs everyday
- Rapidly pedaling a stationary bike
- Run uphill on a treadmill
Is HIIT for everyone?
- Lower blood glucose level in patients with diabetes
- Safe and tolerated by patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure
- Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can do HIIT for periods with less shortness of breath
- Parkinson’s disease
- Burn More Fat
- Healthier Heart
- Lose Weight, not Muscle
- Increase Metabolism
- If you have time for 30 minute, endurance exercise, keep it up!
- Interval training has been an integral part of training programs for many years
- The incorporation of interval training into a general conditioning program will optimize the development of cardiorespiratory fitness as well as numerous other health benefits
Give HIIT a try!
Please consult with you doctor before engaging in any new rigorous workout programs