Certified Fitness Trainer Explains | Should You HIIT It Or Quit It?
In the ever-evolving world of fitness, two major players have emerged, vying for the title of the most effective workout regimen: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and traditional Strength Training. Here in Dallas and Coppell, the demand for fitness excellence continues to soar.
As you tread the path to a healthier, fitter you, you can't help but wonder which training approach is the key to unlocking your potential. HIIT, the hottest trend in fitness, promises incredible efficiency and substantial fat loss, while Strength Training offers the allure of muscle-building and metabolic acceleration. Which one should you choose? It's a fitness face-off that's been making waves in the health world. But fear not, because our certified fitness trainer in Dallas and Coppell is here to guide you through this fitness showdown, helping you make the most of your workouts. Let's dive into the science and strategies behind these two fitness titans to uncover the truth about what's best for your fitness journey.
Be sure to also check out our other recently updated blog posts on the effectiveness of foam rollers, the importance of sleep, core exercises and food myths.
What type of training is more beneficial HIIT or strength training?
High-intensity interval training is the biggest trend in the fitness industry according to the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2018. It involves repeatedly exercising at a high intensity for 30 seconds to several minutes followed by variable time for recovery. Basically, it’s crazy-efficient! You could be spending less time in the gym but still cash in on all the fat-burning and metabolism-boosting perks. While HIIT training sounds like a ponzi scheme, it has been clinically proven to significantly reduce fat (especially abdominal fat), total body mass, and improve VO2 max (marker for physical fitness) in clinical studies.
How does it work??
HIIT training takes advantage of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, while traditional cardio addresses aerobic mechanisms only. In this anaerobic state is when our body can still build muscle. Studies show that 27 minutes of HIIT training three times a week produces the same anaerobic and aerobic improvement as 60 minutes of cardio 5X/week.
The Afterburn
One of the huge perks of HIIT training is something referred to as the afterburn. While the Afterburn sounds like a great superhero name, it actually refers to the period which your metabolism experiences a boost, and It can last up to 24 hours after an HIIT workout. Several studies suggest the there’s a strong correlation between the number of calories burned post work out and the work out’s intensity.
WAIT! What about strength training??!??
Strength training (also known as weight or resistance training) is activity designed to improve strength and endurance by exercising a specific muscle or muscle group against external resistance. It is the best way to add muscle mass to your frame and boost your metabolic rate. As we know, one pound of muscle is much more compact than one pound of fat, making you appear more toned and lean.
The Truth:
Preferably, combining strength training and HIIT will yield the best results. Strength training will add muscle and lead to a tighter, stronger physique. HIIT will accelerate body fat loss at a quicker rate. Finding the right combination of resistance and cardio training, along with a proper nutrition regimen can help you reach your individualized goals. Take advantage of what both strength training and HIIT offer to get the most out of your time and workout routine.
In the realm of fitness, the choice between HIIT and Strength Training is a challenge many face on their journey to a healthier, fitter self. But rest assured, if you're in Dallas or Coppell, our expert certified fitness trainer is your beacon of guidance through this fitness maze. By combining science-backed strategies and personalized fitness plans, our certified fitness trainer is here to unlock your true potential. Ready to embark on a fitness journey that's tailored to your goals? Take the first step towards your fitness aspirations by scheduling a FREE consultation online or giving us a call at (214) 302-9788 today. Elevate your fitness with our certified fitness trainer in Dallas and Coppell, and witness the transformation you've been seeking.
Sources:
Perry CG, Heigenhauser GJ, Bonen A, Spriet LL. High-intensity aerobic interval training increases fat and carbohydrate metabolic capacities in human skeletal muscle. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2008;33:1112–23.
Tjonna AE, Lee SJ, Rognmo O, et al. Aerobic interval training versus continuous moderate exercise as a treatment for the metabolic syndrome: a pilot study. Circulation 2008;118:346–54.
Helgerud J, Hoydal K, Wang E, et al. Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve VO2max more than moderate training. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007;39:665–71.