There's no denying that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is on the rise. People of all fitness levels can do it, including people who are overweight or suffering from diabetes.

HIIT training involves repeated bouts of high-intensity effort followed by less-intense recovery periods. For example, you could run full speed for a minute, and follow that by running more slowly for two minutes.
The benefits? Well, there are many.

1. You'll Burn More Calories, Longer
One of HIIT's greatest benefits is not only that you'll burn more calories during your workout, but that you'll continue to burn calories for up to two hours after you've finished, too. The total calories burned after a workout are greater than in continuous aerobic training.

2. It's Efficient
If you don't have as much time for your workout for whatever reason, HIIT is an ideal solution. Research shows you can achieve more progress in a 15-minute interval workout than you can by jogging on a treadmill for an hour.

3. No Equipment Needed
A major advantage to HIIT workouts is that you don't necessarily need equipment. Yes, running, jumping, biking and rowing work great for interval training, but exercises like jumping lunges and high-knees work just as well.

4. You Won't Lose Muscle
While steady, long cardio seems to encourage muscle loss, research shows HIIT allows you to preserve your muscles while you lose weight.

5. You'll Stick With It
Many people find HIIT to be more enjoyable than forms of steady state exercise. People report that they get more enjoyment out of continuous, vigorously intense exercise than long, slow workouts.

6. It's Good For Your Heart
A lot of people don't break into an anaerobic zone (where it becomes hard to breathe) during low- or moderate-intensity workouts. On study showed that after eight weeks of HIIT, subjects reported being able to bike twice as long as they could before.

7. It's Challenging
HIIT workouts may be shorter, but you'll be working hard the entire time.

8. You Can Do It Anywhere
Because you don't necessarily need equipment to get in a HIIT workout, you can do it practically anywhere.

9. Increased Metabolism
HIIT has been shown to dramatically increase the production of your human growth hormone. Not only is HGH responsible for an increased caloric burn, but it also slows down the aging process.

10. You'll Curb Your Appetite
Evidence suggests that HIIT can actually help suppress your appetite for longer periods after your workout.

Ralph Roberts uses HIIT to train his clients in Amarillo. Working with a personal trainer like Ralph can help you better achieve your fitness and health goals. Contact Ralph today.