High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is as simple as it sounds. It involves brief, yet intense, periods of exercise interspersed with fixed intervals of either less intense activity or rest. It’s proven to be a popular form of exercise, especially with F45.
F45 Training has combined HIIT with two other types of training, circuit and functional training. All three have been incorporated into over 30 workout experiences, all of which inform the structure of the brand’s 45-minute workout sessions. What sets F45 apart from the competition is that virtually none of these sessions will ever be exactly the same, which means F45 members will always be challenged and will never reach a plateau in their fitness regimes.
HIIT is a crucial part of this, and when done properly, can complement an active person’s exercise regimen. Let’s take a look at exactly how it benefits gym-goers.
1. It boosts your metabolism.
Maintaining a healthy metabolism while progressing further into adulthood is important, especially when living an active lifestyle. If you’re not a fan of your body naturally slowing down with age, then HIIT is for you. Health Fitness Revolution (HFR) cites the American College of Sports and Medicine as saying that the benefits of hiit training “help you consume more oxygen than a non-interval workout routine.” “The excess amount of oxygen consumed helps increase your rate of metabolism from about 90 minutes to 144 minutes after a session of interval training.” This helps to burn calories, which brings us to our second point.
2. It burns calories, even long after your workout.
HIIT largely constitutes intense cardiovascular activity, which is great for torching calories. But what’s even better is that this effect actually actively continues long after your workout is complete. HFR explains that “when participating in such high intensity workouts, your body’s repair cycle goes into hyperdrive. This means [that], 24 hours after a HIIT workout, your body is still burning calories and fat, whereas in steady-pace workouts, you may not be.”
3. Equipment is not necessary.
HIIT requires you to use nothing more than your own bodyweight. This means all you have to do upon arriving at an F45 studio is find a space to do your exercises—no handling any heavy gym equipment necessary! Common examples of HIIT exercises include plyometrics (or jump training), push-ups, lunges, squats, and core exercises.
4. There are no limits on the ‘hows and wheres.’
HIIT is comprised of numerous kinds of exercises, many of which have several variations. That means you have the ability to strengthen different parts of your body without plateauing. Additionally, the absence of equipment and reliance on your body mean that you can do HIIT anywhere. This is particularly wonderful if you can’t always get to the gym, but still have some time to work out.
5. It’s good for the heart.
HIIT doesn’t just help sculpt your body—it also helps to prevent disease and improve certain biological functions. It’s particularly good for the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, as exercise physiologist and athletic trainer Scott Weiss tells Men’s Journal, the benefit of hiit is that it increases the flexibility and elasticity of arteries and veins better than continuous aerobic exercise. Since HIIT increases pressure demand on your blood vessels, they actually get a “workout” as well.
Thanks to its diversity, health benefits of hiit training, and adaptability in many contexts, high-intensity interval training is a great form of exercise for anyone, at any time. This highlights just one of the many reasons F45 Training has benefitted so well from it.
This could be a life changing opportunity.
