How effective is HIIT for weight loss?
You can burn calories quickly using HIIT ( 8 , 9 ). One study compared the calories burned during 30 minutes each of HIIT, weight training, running, and biking. The researchers found that HIIT burned 25–30% more calories than the other forms of exercise ( 8 ).
The Benefits of HIIT for Weight Loss
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a popular form of exercise due to its effectiveness in helping people accomplish their goals quickly. HIIT is characterized by alternating periods of intense exercise with periods of rest. This type of training has numerous benefits for those trying to lose weight, as it increases their metabolism and burns more calories than typical aerobic exercise.
Most people accept that engaging in exercise is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, and HIIT is a great way to make the most out of a workout. Studies have found that individuals who engage in HIIT burn 25 to 30 percent more calories than those who do traditional aerobic exercise like jogging, biking, or swimming. Rather than just burning only calories during the exercise, HIIT continues to help people burn calories even after the workout is finished. This afterburn effect means that the body continues burning calories at an accelerated rate several hours after the workout is concluded.
Another benefit of HIIT that helps people to lose weight is that it is time-efficient. Workouts can be done in as little as 15 to 20 minutes, and the active rest periods built into HIIT workouts mean that the overall time commitment is much lower than traditional workouts. This makes HIIT an ideal choice for busy people who lead a hectic lifestyle, as it takes less time to achieve the same results as an aerobic workout.
HIIT is also beneficial for those trying to lose weight because it helps to improve cardiovascular fitness. The alternating periods of intense activity and rest helps to strengthen the heart over time, and improves overall blood circulation. This can have a significant positive effect on long-term health, as well as helping with short-term weight loss goals.
Overall, HIIT is an excellent way to up the intensity of a workout while still managing to accomplish goals in a short period of time. This type of exercise increases the metabolic rate and burns calories more quickly than traditional exercise, leading to improved weight loss. Additionally, HIIT’s cardiovascular benefits can also help promote long-term health as well.