Health HIIT

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WHAT IS IT?

First things first… please explain! “HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training, ng, meaning your body performs s exercises in short bouts, with periods of rest,” says trainer and director of Sydney’s Flow Athletic Ben Lucas. “It’s said you burn more calories doing HIIT because your body is in an anaerobic state, which relies on burning carbohydrates rather than oxygen like jogging or swimming.”

WILL HIIT STRESS ME OUT?

Well, the short answer is yes – but it’s not the worst thing if you’re training properly.

“When the body is in an anaerobic state, it becomes stressed,” says Ben.

“This results in reduced oxygen supply, leading to the production of lactate, increased cortisol levels to deliver glucose to the body and the brain, heart, muscles and lungs working overtime. The body can adapt to this type of intensity, but its uptake should be gradual, with rest days.”

HOW MUCH HIIT IS OK?

“When starting out, one or two sessions for the first few weeks is recommended,” says Ben. “Since the body won’t be used to this type of exercise, it’s important not to expose it to too much strain.

More experienced

HIIT exercisers may aim for three times a week.”

WHAT OTHER EXERCISE SHOULD WE BE DOING?

Ben notes it’s important to complement HIIT with aerobic exercises such as jogging, yoga, swimming, fast walking and bike riding as they aid cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing. “If HIIT is overdone, you may run the risk of injury,” he adds. “A lot of technique is involved in HIIT and unless you have built up the strength and muscle groups, you may cause strain.”

IS THERE A GENTLER ALTERNATIVE TO HIIT?

“Low-intensity steady state (LISS) exercise is more gentle on the body and carries a reduced risk of injury,”

Ben explains.

“LISS promotes cardio output, and while it may not be as calorie burning as HIIT, it still contributes to improving cardiovascular health.”

It’s basically just any cardio and aerobic-based exercise that’s performed at a low intensity but for a longer period of time, say 30 to 60 minutes.