Staying physically fit is important for our physical and mental well-being, especially as we get older. As family and work responsibilities pile on our plates, it’s easy to neglect our physical fitness. Another big reason why many adults fall out of a physical routine is that they no longer have the time or energy to complete prolonged workouts, which is why we strongly recommend high intensity, short interval workouts.
High-intensity workouts are designed to maximize bone and muscle (lean mass) growth while reducing the amount of wear and tear your body experiences as you put it through an exercise routine. The following article will give you three reasons why high-intensity workouts are so beneficial.
Strength Building
Weight training is a great way to build muscle and improve strength; however, lifting free weights can be dangerous and increases the likelihood of injury. Using high-quality, properly designed strength training machines, that challenge your muscle through their full range, will both stretch and strengthen your muscles. If you take no rest between different machines, you will also get an effective cardio workout at the same time. Building strength and stamina will positively affect your daily functioning and slow the steady loss of lean mass that results in poor balance and disability. It slows the aging process!
Government guidelines state that we should do two 30-minute strength-training sessions per week. However, only 25% of the population meets this target. They also allow that doing this at home using your own body weight is acceptable. In other words, any exercise is better than none. What research tells us though, is in order to get maximum benefit for the time invested (and to encourage those who know they should but never do), a high intensity, short interval workout using accepted strength training principles and high quality machines, will give you the best result.
Improved Cardio
Engaging in high intensity workouts will give your cardiovascular system an immediate boost. Studies indicate that high intensity workouts are an effective way to reduce and prevent cardiovascular diseases by increasing aerobic and metabolic capacity. If you have a family history of heart disease or warned by a physician about your risk for heart disease, choosing high intensity exercise will challenge your heart and improve heart function. The cardiac benefit of high intensity strength training is an added benefit that many people overlook.
Weight Loss
Bursts of high intensity interval training (Hiit) may be more effective for weight loss than longer less intense workouts. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analysed results from 36 earlier studies. Although all the participants lost weight, those doing Hiit saw a 28.5% greater weight loss.
There are a couple of possible explanations: Firstly, High intensity training may lead to greater energy expenditure after exercise - metabolism may be increased for up to a day following a Hiit session. Secondly, after a Hiit session, you may be less hungry.
Remember, diet is just as important for weight loss as exercise. A well-balanced diet along with proper supplementation as needed, will give you the vitamins and nutrients required to excel in your workout routine. Check out our website and view our nutrition store for healthy recommendations.
