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What is a HIIT Workout and How Does it Help With Weight Loss? Gabriel Patterson, Toronto Fitness Expert, Explains

Many fitness enthusiasts and people who are simply in search of a high-quality and efficient workout enjoy high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. HIIT workouts are especially useful for those interested in weight loss and management. Here, Toronto fitness and nutrition coach Gabriel Patterson explores the significant aspects and benefits of HIIT workouts.

What Is a HIIT Workout?

HIIT workouts use training techniques involving repetitive short and intense bursts of exercise that require maximum effort followed by short recovery periods. HIIT workouts create high oxygen demand during the action periods and require speedy oxygen intake during rest intervals. The high demand for oxygen intake during rest promotes the burning of calories and fat in higher levels than regular cardio workouts.

The key to a HIIT workout is the intensity of the short periods of maximum work effort. Every set should be short and require total energy output. In comparison to running, HIIT is sprinting short distances with everything you have to give as opposed to rationing energy out over a long and steady run.

Common Formats of HIIT Workouts

HIIT Workouts can include any number of common gym exercises that can be repeated in sets. Many HIIT workouts are designated as “infinite” sets, requiring you to repeat as many sets as possible with defined effort sets and rest periods. Pushups, squats, and burpees are all common exercises that can be done in infinite sets until complete exhaustion. Short sprints of 30 seconds or less can be added into the combination of other exercises if you have the room to run at full speed for a few seconds between different movements. Kettlebells and dumbbells can be incorporated into short and intense exercise periods as well. As long as the exercise period is short, intense and requires maximum effort, almost any good exercise can be incorporated into a HIIT workout routine.

Benefits of HIIT Workouts

In addition to burning lots of calories in a short amount of time, HIIT workouts provide a variety of benefits that are harder to come by with steady-state exercising. HIIT workouts promote more efficient oxygen intake and processing and can help reduce blood pressure and resting heart rate much more than ordinary cardio workouts. HIIT is also beneficial to overall metabolism and helps manage blood sugar.

How HIIT Workouts Facilitate Weight Loss

HIIT workouts are being shown in recent studies to promote weight loss and fat burning not just during workouts but at all times through improved metabolism and cardio health. The lasting effects of HIIT workouts make their shorter overall duration even more attractive to busy people. The process of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is enhanced through HIIT workouts. For long periods following HIIT exercise, the body goes through the EPOC effect to consume additional calories returning body systems (for example, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure) to normal rates. EPOC also helps the body naturally regulate blood sugar levels and helps you avoid sugar cravings.

About Gabriel Patterson

Gabriel Patterson is a Toronto certified fitness trainer and health coach who advocates a balanced and healthy lifestyle for his clients. As a lifelong athlete, Gabriel developed a deep interest in physiology and advanced training as a competitive swimmer. He has taken his experience as a personal trainer into the business world as the founder of Patterson Training. Gabriel’s passion for an active and productive lifestyle has led him to his mission of supporting and educating his clients as they discover new health and fitness routines. He emphasizes a nutrient-dense diet for his clients as they recover from sports injuries or seek solid fitness foundations and provides complete nutritional planning and coaching as part of his training services. Gabriel has a strong reputation with his clients due to his positive and supportive attitude and his common sense and transparent approach to coaching and guiding every client as an individual.

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