Exercising can be difficult, but finding the time to exercise can be even harder. With chaotic schedules, jobs, family, and more, who has time to go for a run or hit the gym? Luckily, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs cater to people with busy schedules. HIIT workouts are designed to deliver optimal results in a short amount of time. And even if your schedule isn’t packed, HIIT workouts are the perfect way to tone muscles, burn calories, and achieve your health goals. Here are some of the biggest advantages of doing HIIT workouts.
Burn, Baby, Burn
One of the major benefits of HIIT workouts is how many calories one session can burn. Research shows that one 30-minute HIIT workout can burn 25 to 30% more calories than steady-state exercises such as cycling, weightlifting, and running done for the same amount of time.
Because HIIT workouts are so intense, your oxygen intake increases, which means that you’re using up more calories. In addition, you continue to burn calories even after you’ve finished your workout (big bonus here). HIIT workouts increase your metabolic rate for hours after a workout because of the post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) effect. So, although those intervals are tough, they have lasting benefits that are worth the effort.
Healthy Heart, Healthy Life
If there’s one muscle HIIT workouts target, it’s the heart. These exercises are incredible for cardiovascular health. HIIT workouts push you into the anaerobic zone, which means that your heart rate is 85 to 100% of your maximum heart rate. Your body can’t deliver oxygen to your muscles fast enough.
Over time, repeatedly doing HIIT workouts can lead to an overall stronger heart and oxygen consumption. In addition, HIIT workouts have also been shown to improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure. How’s that for a good workout?
Low Maintenance Exercises
Another advantage of HIIT workouts is how easy they are to do. Of course, the exercises themselves can be difficult, but they don’t require as much equipment or time as other exercises might. In fact, they usually involve a series of plyometrics that many of us are familiar with. So, while the name itself might be intimidating, HIIT workouts can be done by anyone.
Finding the Right Workout for You
If you want more information on when and where you can join my Strong by Zumba classes, check out my online schedule. I offer a variety of classes that are all tailored to help people achieve their fitness goals. As mentioned before, exercise can be tough, but I’m here to make it just a little easier.