You may have heard of it if you’re into serious working out. Burst training, also known as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a combination of high-intensity burst exercise and low recovery phases done repeatedly within the workout session. For example, you can do fast pace walking for 5 minutes and slow pace walking for 5 minutes.
HIIT is said to be the fastest way to burn fat and lose weight, mainly because it increases the HGH (human growth hormone), which is touted to be the “the fountain of youth” hormone. It also provides a slew of additional benefits that are great for your overall health.
Check out these additional benefits of burst exercise:
- Burn fat faster (3X more), seeing weight loss results in a shorter time frame, without losing muscle mass
- Boost metabolism
- Reduces inflammation
- Build endurance
- Maintain hormonal balance by increasing testosterone and maintains cortisol levels
- Reduces the risk of heart disease due to increased oxygen intake
As with everything, HIIT is not for everyone. A talk with your doctor is the best way to begin assessing if this type of exercise is suitable for you. If you are new to HIIT, experts recommend that you start slow and work your way to the higher intensity intervals. My advice for newbies, find yourself an expert; a trainer or coach who can walk you through the dos and don’ts.
Dixie Lincoln- Nichols is a biological science educator, health and wellbeing consultant and Qigong instructor. Her work has been featured in media outlets like, Oprah Mag, SELF, Yahoo and more. She is the founder of Inside Outer Beauty Market, a multi-cultutal retailer curating and creating products to support the body inside and out. Visit the site at www.iobeautymarket.com
