High Intensity Workouts: Are They Effective?
There has been a lot of buzz about high intensity workouts. The New York Times Magazine devoted its entire back page to the subject. The Eastern European countries became powerhouses in international sports based on their training system which is centered around high intensity workouts.
High intensity workouts are, by definition, all out efforts for a short period of time (typically 30 seconds up to 2 minutes). These workouts are meant to be intense and very demanding in order to lose weight quickly.
The theory behind high intensity workouts is that by working at a high intensity, you burn more calories in less time. The body also continues to burn calories after the workout is over. This is called the after burn effect.
The idea behind these types of workouts is that when you finish, your body needs time to recover from the stress it experienced during the workout. During this recovery time, its metabolism speeds up and burns more calories, even when you’re not working out.
This all sounds great in theory, but does it actually work? Are high intensity workouts effective for weight loss?
There is some evidence that high intensity workouts are effective for weight loss. One study showed that women who did high intensity interval training lost more weight and body fat than those who did moderate intensity cardio.
Another study found that both high intensity and moderate intensity workouts resulted in significant weight loss. However, the group that did high intensity workouts lost more weight overall than the moderate intensity group.
Another study done at the University of Western Ontario showed that HIIT causes more calories to be burned after a workout is completed. This is because people who did HIIT burned more calories after the workout ended, as their metabolism was elevated at a higher level for a longer time.
In addition, they also burned fewer calories during the workout than those who did traditional cardio. A lot of that can be attributed to muscle loss and general fatigue. Evidence also shows that high intensity workouts can lead to better appetite control and increased feelings of fullness, which can improve overall weight loss success.
However, there are some downsides to these types of workouts. Some people find them too difficult or too time-consuming. They can also be dangerous if not done correctly.
In addition, high intensity workouts can cause significant muscle breakdown and fatigue which can put you at risk for injuries. They may also not be appropriate for everyone. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid high intensity workouts, as should people who are new to exercise or have any health conditions.
Overall, high intensity workouts seem to be effective for weight loss. They burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, and they also cause the body to continue to burn calories after the workout is over. However, they can be dangerous if not done correctly, and they can also lead to muscle breakdown.
So, are high intensity workouts effective for weight loss? Probably. But they’re not for everyone and you need to be careful when trying them. If you’re interested in giving them a try, start slowly and make sure you’re following a safe and effective routine.
There you have it – high intensity workouts: Are they effective for weight loss? The answer is a resounding yes! But please remember that these workouts are not for everyone and should be done with caution. If you’re interested in giving them a try, start slowly and make sure you’re following a safe and effective routine.
About BBBrown Fitness:
BBBrown Fitness offers fun outdoor training in comfortable, supportive group settings in central Austin. BBBrown Fitness workouts combine elements of HIIT, strength training, Pilates, and barre work to create efficient, total-body workouts. Our trainers are experienced and certified, and our classes are tailored for all fitness levels. We offer both private and group training sessions. For more information, please check out our website!