High intensity interval training is not usually a response you would get if you asked someone for tips on how to build muscle. Yet, today you are going to find out why HIIT is one of the most effective ways to build more lean mass in considerably less time than other training protocols.
It might sound odd to use intervals as a resistance program, but it's easily possible.
HIIT is very versatile. In the past few years it has been stereotyped as a cardiovascular workout, but in truth it can be applied to strength based training quite easily, too.
In fact, it first emerged as a prominent training method back in the 1990's when sprint coaches used it to prepare their athletes for the upcoming Barcelona games. It's discovery was overshadowed by the emergence of creatine monohydrate at the same event, which went on to become the best selling sports supplement in the world and stole the thunder of those who published reports on the training methods used for the events.
Resting then lifting is the same as resting then sprinting. The overall effect is strikingly similar within the human body.
Most people who are using intervals for fat loss results are doing so because they are chasing the fabled afterburn effect. This is the post workout recovery phase which follows an interval based workout, where the body can continue to burn calories and fat for a number of hours on autopilot.
One study from Canada revealed that individuals performing this style of training used more than twice the amount of fat as those following a basic aerobic routine.
The problem with resistance training, however, is that most gym members do not workout to their true weightlifting potential.
They quite often lift loads which are too light to push their body to new results and they also rest for long durations of time between each set.
The two key aspects of high intensity exercise are that you must lower rest periods and you must workout to your absolute maximum ability, which is why those two reasons above often lead to failure.
But how do you incorporate HIIT into a resistance workout anyway?
Lower your rest periods to allow for no more than one minute of rest per set. As weeks progress, push yourself to even lower rest periods. This will greatly increase your fitness.
Workouts will take on an altogether different feeling with this type of work ethic.
High intensity interval training shows you how to build muscle without spending your entire working day in the gym. You can enjoy less overall workout time but more physical results if you approach it correctly and use it wisely.
It might sound odd to use intervals as a resistance program, but it's easily possible.
HIIT is very versatile. In the past few years it has been stereotyped as a cardiovascular workout, but in truth it can be applied to strength based training quite easily, too.
In fact, it first emerged as a prominent training method back in the 1990's when sprint coaches used it to prepare their athletes for the upcoming Barcelona games. It's discovery was overshadowed by the emergence of creatine monohydrate at the same event, which went on to become the best selling sports supplement in the world and stole the thunder of those who published reports on the training methods used for the events.
Resting then lifting is the same as resting then sprinting. The overall effect is strikingly similar within the human body.
Most people who are using intervals for fat loss results are doing so because they are chasing the fabled afterburn effect. This is the post workout recovery phase which follows an interval based workout, where the body can continue to burn calories and fat for a number of hours on autopilot.
One study from Canada revealed that individuals performing this style of training used more than twice the amount of fat as those following a basic aerobic routine.
The problem with resistance training, however, is that most gym members do not workout to their true weightlifting potential.
They quite often lift loads which are too light to push their body to new results and they also rest for long durations of time between each set.
The two key aspects of high intensity exercise are that you must lower rest periods and you must workout to your absolute maximum ability, which is why those two reasons above often lead to failure.
But how do you incorporate HIIT into a resistance workout anyway?
Lower your rest periods to allow for no more than one minute of rest per set. As weeks progress, push yourself to even lower rest periods. This will greatly increase your fitness.
Workouts will take on an altogether different feeling with this type of work ethic.
High intensity interval training shows you how to build muscle without spending your entire working day in the gym. You can enjoy less overall workout time but more physical results if you approach it correctly and use it wisely.
About the Author:
About the author: Discover key tips revealing how to build muscle and how to perform high intensity interval training effectively for maximum results via the free fitness blog from leading UK personal trainer Russ Howe PTI.
