"The Great Debate: HIIT vs HIFT, Which One Gets You Results Faster?"
Updated: Mar 2
High-Intensity Interval Training Versus High-Intensity Functional Training.
Which Is Better?
Let's get into an in-depth evaluation of the two by enlisting the knowledge base and experience of vegan fitness coach Steve Pilot.
What is HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
HIIT is a session comprising several short bursts of different highly intense exercises aimed at increasing your cardiovascular activity.
The goal of high-intensity training is to up the intensity of your cardio.
Push yourself to your maximum to achieve HIIT.
The sessions are short, typically ranging from 20 to 90 seconds.
Unlike long runs where energy is, rationed for endurance, HIIT is the total opposite requiring maximum input over shorter periods with relatively short breaks in between sessions.
Benefits of HIIT
HIIT is known to boost cardiovascular and respiratory health within a shorter time frame in comparison to other forms of exercise, resulting in an improved VO2 max.
VO2 max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise
It has been "scientifically proven that VO2 max is an excellent predictor of overall health."
According to the interval training book, "The One Minute Workout" co-authored by Martin Gibala, a world-renown interval training expert based at McMaster University in Canada.
As you get fitter, the better your heart will pump blood, the longer you will take to lose your breath, and you will be able to endure more whenever you exercise, which in turn prevents heart diseases.
With HIIT, you will be able to achieve your cardio and fitness goals much more quickly than doing any given exercise at a continuous pace.
Loss of weight goals can be attained much quicker with HIIT.
Interval training tremendously increases endurance and the maximum attainment of fitness and cardiovascular goals.
Calories will continue to burn long after the exercise.