HIIT May Not Be Right for You. Here’s Why

Hello Ziddis! HIIT is something we hear to be a huge part of the fitness syllabus! High-intensity interval Training (HIIT) has taken the fitness world by storm, promising quick results, improved endurance and fat-burning power. Everyone thinks HIIT is right for them but is it really right for everyone?

What Are High-Intensity Workouts aka HIIT Exercise?

High-intensity workouts, aka HIIT exercises, push your body to the limit for short intervals and longer recovery periods. HIIT exercise combines intense activities like running or burpees with less intense movements like walking or ideally resting. This helps in heart rate quickly, boosting metabolism, and burning calories more efficiently than other ways of working out more gradually. While this sounds ideal, it’s important to understand that HIIT requires intense efforts during those high-intensity periods.

HIIT Workout Benefits

Before understanding why HIIT may not be right for you, let’s first recognize the benefits that make it so popular:

• Efficiency: HIIT is praised for delivering the results of a longer workout in a much shorter time due to its brief but intense effort intervals.
• Improved Cardiovascular Endurance: Regular HIIT sessions enhance heart and lung health, helping you build endurance over time.
• Higher Calorie Burn: The intense bursts of activity during HIIT workouts burn more calories in a shorter duration compared to moderate-intensity exercises.
• Increased Metabolic Rate: Even after completing a HIIT workout, your body continues to burn calories due to the “afterburn” effect, also known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).
• More Energy and Fitness: HIIT improves the balancing of your body’s natural energy systems, which gives it a more balanced fitness approach compared to simple cardio.

Why HIIT Workouts Isn’t Right for You

Despite the many HIIT workout benefits, it’s important to consider why it may not be suitable for everyone:

1. Stress on the Body: The intensity of HIIT workouts can place significant strain on your body, particularly if you’re new to fitness or have pre-existing health issues. This can cause:

• Physical and mental fatigue
• Muscle soreness
• Injuries like joint pain or muscle strains

2. Strain on the Heart: HIIT is usually considered good for the heart but that can turn out pretty risky for patients of:

• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure

3. Impact on Metabolism: If you have conditions like PCOS or thyroid, the HIIT workouts can raise your cortisol levels (it is a hormone secreted during stressful situations). This will lead to:

• Slowing down the metabolism
• Difficulty in losing weight

What to Do Instead

If HIIT isn’t the best fit for you, don’t worry—there are many effective alternatives:

• Moderate-Intensity Workouts: They offer benefits to your heart while also allowing you to have a steady pace towards fitness. This can be done by brisk walking, swimming or cycling.
• Resistance Training: This helps in building muscle strength and improves metabolic health without placing excessive stress on the body. Try weights, lifting or bench press.
• Yoga and Pilates: To calm your mind and body this is an excellent option. It also improves flexibility and core strength. Yoga and pilates also have lesser rate of getting injured.
• Have an Outdoor Adventure: You can try hiking

Friendly Note: Invest in a good pair of workout wear and accessories to stay motivated. Whether it’s staying hydrated with your favourite shaker bottle during resistance training or staying comfortable in jogger pants during a yoga session, having the right gear can enhance your fitness experience.

Takeaway

There are huge benefits to HIIT but knowing if this would benefit you is the more important thing. Your fitness goals and physical condition would make that decision for you. HIIT isn’t right for you but you can replace it with a range of exercises that can similarly help you. You can still get the results you need with the right exercise routine, diet and accessories. Remember, the best workout is the one that fits your body and lifestyle, so don’t hesitate to explore other activities that can keep you healthy and happy.