If you are anything like me, the thought of doing cardio makes you nauseous. Spending 30+ minutes on a treadmill or elliptical isn’t something I’m interested in doing…especially multiple times a week. I salute all those people that do enjoy their extended cardio sessions. We know there are many health benefits to doing cardio. So, the question then becomes: Is there a way to secure the benefits of cardio without spending hours each week running or biking? The answer is…. (drum roll please) YES.
H.I.I.T (high intensity interval training) is a GREAT way to secure the health benefits of cardio in only a fraction of the time. H.I.I.T is when you perform a short intense cardio burst followed by a brief rest period. H.I.I.T exercises can be tailored to fit any skill level. (I will post a beginner H.I.I.T routine at the bottom)
Being able to raise and lower your heart rate has tremendous health benefits. Here is my 5-favorite reasons for doing H.I.I.T:
1) Your Metabolic Rate is higher hours following the exercise. (This simply means you continue to burn calories long after you stop exercising)
2) H.I.I.T is more intense than steady state cardio meaning you tell your body to burn FAT instead of carbs. (Most cardio methods you are primarily burning carbs).
3) Helps decrease visceral fat. (This is the fat that surrounds your internal organs)
4) Improves the body’s oxygen consumption levels similar to performing extended periods of cardio. Once again this takes place in only a fraction of the time.
5) Easy to fit into your daily schedule and only needs to be done 3-4x per week.
Beginner H.I.I.T Routine:
Step 1: Treadmill Sprints: 20 Second sprint followed by 20-30 seconds of rest. (Repeat the cycle 6 times)
Step 2: Bike Sprints: Bike intensely for 20 seconds followed by 20-30 seconds of rest. (Repeat the cycle 6 times.)
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