Health Benefits Of A HIIT Workout

Improve Oxygen Consumption

Oxygen consumption refers to the muscle's ability to use oxygen, and is closely related to the body's metabolic rate. Excessive post-exercise oxygen debt is what allows the body to continue burning calories long after HIIT workouts end. During intense workouts, the muscles are depleted of adenosine triphosphate, which is energy made from food consumption. During and after a workout, adenosine triphosphate must be made to replace depleted stores. Oxygen consumption is necessary for this vital function.

Typically, endurance training like long and continuous running or biking are ways in which individuals can improve oxygen consumption, but high-intensity interval training has proven to be better at achieving it. The intensity of these workouts is what causes excessive post-exercise oxygen debt, therefore burning more calories during and after the workout.

Reduce Heart Rate And Blood Pressure

As individuals age, their arteries become increasingly stiff, which contributes to higher blood pressure. There is a thin lining of cells in the arteries that needs to remain smooth to maintain blood flow. This layer is called the endothelium. HIIT workouts have proven to support the function of the endothelium while continuous exercise does not. These workouts also help the arteries loosen, thus improving the stiffness that develops. This helps lower blood pressure. HIIT workouts also help lower an individual's resting heart rate.

Because the body has improved oxygen consumption, the heart can more efficiently pump blood throughout the body, which means the overall resting heart rate is lower. Multiple studies have proven while all kinds of regular exercise will reduce heart rate and blood pressure, high-intensity interval training has a more efficient way of doing so.