Sport activates all kinds of health-preserving processes in the body. But if you want to lose weight, you benefit – especially from high-intensity interval training. It reduces unhealthy fat deposits more effectively than any other sport.
In recent years, high-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, has become increasingly popular. But since then there has been at least as much debate about how healthy training under high stress actually is. HIIT is about exercising at maximum intensity for a short period of time. The aim is to induce muscle exhaustion and maximum oxygen uptake in the muscle. A workout lasts a maximum of half an hour. The cardiovascular system should be challenged – but not overwhelmed. Athletes in particular have been training using this method for a long time. Of course, now that HIIT is so popular in mass sports, many are wondering how healthy it is to train to the point of exhaustion.
There is no doubt that for most people, HIIT leads to an increase in what is known as VO2max – the body’s maximum ability to absorb oxygen. This value is also used to determine the level of fitness. The improvement is usually greater than in comparatively more moderate sports such as running or swimming. That’s a good thing, because a high VO2max value usually goes hand in hand with the prospect of a long life.
Studies have shown even greater effects on particularly unhealthy abdominal fat. Body fat is reduced above average compared to other sports in this region. HIIT also has a positive effect on blood sugar levels – which in turn slows down the storage of new fat in the body.
Fitness training also has a very good effect on the brain. In both younger and older athletes, the memory improved significantly more than in comparison to other types of training. Apparently only the demanding training in the muscles activates the strong production of lactate – a substance which in turn is washed into the brain and promotes the formation of new connections and blood connections there. This significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia.
The heart and circulatory system have to withstand the strain
Despite the proven positive effect, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing HIIT training. Beginners in particular should be sure that their cardiovascular system is healthy and can cope well with the intensive demands. HIIT also puts a lot of strain on the joints – so you should be careful, especially if you are overweight.
Source: Stern
