In 2019, according to Mindbody, over 16,400 individuals believe that group fitness exercise is the fastest growing trend in the U.S.
HIIT involves alternating short bursts of intense exercise with brief recovery periods. More frequently, HIIT training exercises are practiced on stationary bikes. These intervals can range from 30 seconds to a few minutes, with rest periods often being half the duration of the active phase.
Most of these come in forms of group exercise classes, which incentives friends to sign up and commit together. One of the most popular HIIT classes out there with over 383,000 unique riders is Soulcycle.
Other mentionable companies that specialize in HIIT training, I am sure that you’ve heard of, are Peloton and Equinox Fitness.
What Is The HIIT Principle?
Firstly, HIIT pushes individuals to exert maximum effort during the high-intensity intervals, followed by brief recovery or active rest periods. This cyclical pattern challenges the body in a way that traditional steady-state cardio workouts may not.
How Does It Help My Physicality?
i) EPOC Effect
The magic of HIIT lies in its ability to elevate Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), commonly known as the after-burn effect. These intense intervals create an oxygen debt in the body, requiring a large amount of energy to restore normal physiological functions post-workout. Therefore, the extended calorie burn continues even after the workout, contributing to increased fat oxidation.
ii) Boost in VO2 Max
HIIT has been proven to elevate VO2 max, a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can use during intense exercise. Consequently, this increase in aerobic capacity translates to improved endurance and the ability to sustain high-intensity efforts for longer durations.
iii) Preserve Lean Muscle Mass
Unlike traditional steady-state cardio, HIIT exercises preserve lean muscle mass. The intense effort required during intervals signals the body to maintain muscle tissue. In turn, this makes it effective for those aiming to build muscle, while burning fat at the same time!
iv) Metabolic Adaptations
HIIT induces metabolic adaptations within muscle cells, promoting the production of mitochondria—the energy powerhouses of cells. As a result, increased mitochondrial density enhances the body’s capacity to efficiently produce and utilize energy, contributing to improved metabolic health.
Questions, Comments, Concerns
So, will you follow the trend?
I’ve tried “Spin” and “Soulcycle” and had one of the toughest workouts of my life.
It got me exhausted, but in a good way and I felt that both of these classes were beneficial, especially for my endurance.
If you have questions or comments, let me know below!
