Health professionals everywhere have been declaring the numerous benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Although HIIT is definitely a great way to get and stay healthy, recent research suggests that low-intensity workouts may be just as beneficial. This is good news for people who are just starting an exercise regimen and aren’t quite ready for HIIT.
Study: Low-Intensity Exercise As Effective As HIIT
A recent Canadian study supports the idea that losing weight and getting healthy is also possible with lower-intensity exercise. Researchers split the participants of the study into two groups, with one group performing short, high-intensity workouts and the other exercising at low intensity for a longer interval of time. Both types of exercise yielded the same results when it came to calories burned and abdominal fat lost.
Don’t Ditch HIIT Altogether
It was also noted, however, that participants performing high-intensity exercises had greater improvements in their blood glucose levels than the opposite group. Because low blood glucose levels can cause your mood to suffer and your emotions to fluctuate, keeping those levels in check is important for a happy life. That said, you may not want to ditch those HIIT workouts altogether just yet.
While low-intensity exercises are beneficial to your overall health and weight-loss goals, you may still want to incorporate some HIIT into your regimen on occasion for the best possible results. Here are some simple ways you can significantly up the intensity of your workouts without breaking your back:
Whether you choose to incorporate low-intensity workouts at every training session, or just start with them and work your way toward high-intensity exercises, the important thing is that you stay active. Even small changes in your life can make a difference for your health – like taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Similarly, small increases in the intensity of your workouts can make a big difference in the results you see.
If you’re curious about the level of intensity you should incorporate when working out, talking to a health expert is the way to go. Trained professionals can tell you what exercises will most benefit you based on your own personal needs and health situation. At Downtown Athletic Club, we offerpersonal training, group fitness, and other programs to help you get into the best shape of your life. Contact us today to get started.
Study: Low-Intensity Exercise As Effective As HIIT
A recent Canadian study supports the idea that losing weight and getting healthy is also possible with lower-intensity exercise. Researchers split the participants of the study into two groups, with one group performing short, high-intensity workouts and the other exercising at low intensity for a longer interval of time. Both types of exercise yielded the same results when it came to calories burned and abdominal fat lost.
Don’t Ditch HIIT Altogether
It was also noted, however, that participants performing high-intensity exercises had greater improvements in their blood glucose levels than the opposite group. Because low blood glucose levels can cause your mood to suffer and your emotions to fluctuate, keeping those levels in check is important for a happy life. That said, you may not want to ditch those HIIT workouts altogether just yet.
While low-intensity exercises are beneficial to your overall health and weight-loss goals, you may still want to incorporate some HIIT into your regimen on occasion for the best possible results. Here are some simple ways you can significantly up the intensity of your workouts without breaking your back:
- Increase the incline on your treadmill
- Pick up the pace of your walk
- Jog just a bit faster
Whether you choose to incorporate low-intensity workouts at every training session, or just start with them and work your way toward high-intensity exercises, the important thing is that you stay active. Even small changes in your life can make a difference for your health – like taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Similarly, small increases in the intensity of your workouts can make a big difference in the results you see.
If you’re curious about the level of intensity you should incorporate when working out, talking to a health expert is the way to go. Trained professionals can tell you what exercises will most benefit you based on your own personal needs and health situation. At Downtown Athletic Club, we offerpersonal training, group fitness, and other programs to help you get into the best shape of your life. Contact us today to get started.
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