Benefits of HIIT Training to Athletes and those Training Recreationally
- adammey
- Jul 21, 2024
- 3 min read
HIIT training is short for High intensity interval training and it is comprised of essentially a high intensity "interval" or exercise which will help us work our anaerobic systems, this is then followed by a very low intensity rest period. The greatness of this training method is that the very low intensity rest period can be something aerobic such as cycling, rowing, or even just doing nothing for a minute. Research shows that this rest period used to recover from the high intensity interval actually produces significant improvements on our aerobic system as well. This is why HIIT can be so beneficial to both athletes and those training recreationally.
The beneficial aspect for athletes is that sport specific exercises can be included for example for boxers an isolateral throwing exercise can be used to improve power of rotation to improve their punch power as the anaerobic interval and something like skipping for their aerobic rest interval. Although I wont go any further into the specifics of this specifically in relation to boxing the overall scientific benefit of this is that now the athlete will have a greater anaerobic capacity of power so they can throw harder punches and can do this for multiple rounds so their power doesn't drop off, but equally the aerobic rest period improves their aerobic capacity which can help with recovery and removal of lactic acid between rounds so they are ready to go for the next round faster and they can last the entirety of the round. This can be applied to any sport although I'm not going to exhaust all of these as that would take far too long.
Onto what most of you are likely to interested how is HIIT beneficial to those training recreationally. The anaerobic interval is great for developing our fast twitch muscle fibres which will come into use for things such as bending down to pick up a child, or doing other home based chores such as laundry etc by increasing our general strength. This development in strength makes us less likely to succumb to injuries from day to day activities and will improve stability and balance so less general aches and pains. furthermore the more physiological health benefits can be reduced body fat for those trying to cut some weight, the aerobic interval particularly helpful for this. The reduction in cholesterol levels in the body, when we exercise HDL high density lipoproteins are released. These are beneficial to the body and they essentially help remove LDL low density lipoproteins from the body which are negative and can accumulate in the blood vessels. This helps maintain blood vessel health so less risk of heart conditions or atheroma's ( plaque build up in the blood vessels).
outside of these physiological benefits there are psychological benefits to HIIT. It can be done as a team or group so can be used to make more friends, improve mood alleviate stress etc.
HIIT can and usually is done in a well balanced training programme, if you are interested in online programming, first week free to try please contact me email address is on the website adam.mey@icloud.com. After which prices vary based on requirements, starter with programming and written feedback starts at £30 per month after this video feedback is available at £35. Another programme including weekly video calls discussing training and eating at £50 per month. To access the first free week email to enquire no commitment needed to access the first free week.
Some in person PT sessions available 1:1 only in Ashford, Kent UK. Based on availability. Contact for more.
Comments