Whether you’re doing sports training or just trying to get into shape, you need a solid training method. While you probably know that you need quality cardio training regardless of your goals, you may not realize the importance of establishing a consistent training method. If you’re not familiar with HIIT, and you want to get the most out of your cardio workout, this may be the missing link to getting you to the top of your game. Below, learn more about this type of training and how it can benefit you. 

What Is It?

HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training. This is a specific training method that involves intervals of intense activity broken up by periods of rest. The theory behind this method is to increase your body’s oxygen intake by pushing yourself as hard as you can in bursts.

While pushing yourself may be a common phrase when discussing cardio, HIIT takes pushing yourself to a new level. The idea is that during the intense intervals, regardless of what activity you are doing while applying this method, you push yourself to your absolute limit. Ideally, you will be spiking your heart rate while still building muscle tone. You then take a short rest period and start again. 

Because HIIT is a training method and not an activity-specific regimen, it can be applied to practically any workout you have in mind. For example, if you are training for a big run, beefing up your endurance is essential. You could incorporate HIIT into your cardio regimen by taking two or three days to focus on intensifying your cardio, alternating between intervals of all-out sprinting and walking.

How Can You Benefit?

The benefits of HIIT can be tremendous if you stick with it. HIIT workouts are far more efficient than typical steady cardio like long periods of jogging on a treadmill. This makes HIIT ideal for people with busy lifestyles but still want or need to incorporate an effective training regimen.

Because of the intensity of the cardio, your metabolism will get a serious boost. HIIT helps to stimulate your body’s production of the human growth hormone, which helps burn calories and retain cellular health as you age.

Any cardio is beneficial for heart health. Like any muscle, though, the more you are able to push your heart during training, the stronger it will become. With no equipment requirements, you have the freedom to incorporate HIIT into any training you want.

If you’re ready to take your training to the HIIT level and you are looking for a quality fitness center to help meet your equipment and training needs, look no further than Pro-Fit in Lithonia, GA. They offer a wide variety of personal training classes with a one-on-one approach to custom tailor your training to meet your needs. Call them at (770) 856-9796 for a free, no-obligation consultation or visit their website to find class details or schedule a session.