Ask The Anytime Fitness Gal (BLOG)

Question: I keep hearing about the benefits of HIIT
(high-intensity interval training). Can you tell me specifically what it is and
the benefits of doing it?

Answer:  High-intensity interval training is a fantastic way to work out, and it offers many of the same advantages of more traditional training programs in much less time. The idea is to pick an activity that you like to do, and then fluctuate between periods of high-intensity, sprint-type work and less intense, active recovery periods. This type of pattern is repeated several times until you’ve completed 15-20 minutes of exercise, not counting your warm-up and cool-down. Thespecific ratio you choose will depend primarily on your fitness level, but the
goal is to finish the entire workout in about 30 minutes. Numerous studies have
touted the benefits of this type of training, including improvements in VO2max,
resting metabolic rate post-exercise, and overall endurance performance.
Researchers also found significant improvements in whole body and skeletal
muscle fat oxidation, meaning the body became more efficient at using fat as a
fuel source. Despite these results, HIIT isn’t for everyone. If you’re new to
exercise, make sure to improve your base fitness level first, before moving on
to more advanced training programs. As always, if you have questions, contact a
personal trainer.  Anytime Fitness in Prairie Trail's southwest Ankeny development has two highly educated, experienced Certified Personal Trainers.