Why HIIT is Great (and Intense)
HIIT is super efficient. If you’re short on time, HIIT gives you a lot of bang for your workout buck. And according to research from the American College of Sports Medicine, HIIT can burn more calories in less time compared to steady-state cardio. Not only do you burn a significant amount of calories during the workout, but you also continue to burn calories afterward, thanks to a phenomenon known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). In simpler terms: your body keeps burning fat even after you’ve hit the showers. Pretty cool, right?
But HIIT isn’t just about calories. It’s also a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness and build muscle endurance. That’s why you’ll find HIIT workouts in lots of training programs, from sports conditioning to weight loss.
So, what’s the catch? Well, HIIT is tough. Like really tough. It requires a lot of energy, focus, and mental grit to push yourself hard for those short, intense bursts. And if you’re not careful with form, it’s easier to injure yourself, especially if you’re just starting out. Plus, if you’re doing HIIT several times a week, it can lead to burnout, which is why experts recommend limiting intense sessions to two or three times per week.