Interval Training can assist with weight loss

We have all looked for exercise to help maximize weight loss.  Which ones work and which ones do not?  All exercise will work for weight loss if you have a calorie deficit, but some work better.

What is interval training?  Interval training is a type of exercise that combines various lengths of set intervals of extremely high-intensity activity interrupted by periods of lower-level activity such as walking, light jogging, slow cycling, or stretching.  Combining these short, fast bursts of high-intensity activity with longer periods of low-intensity sustained activity not only allows for some recovery between the high-intensity periods, but it also keeps the metabolism burning calories.  This form of exercise combines the benefits of aerobic and anaerobic exercise in one routine.  

You can convert almost any of your exercises into interval training.  For example, if you run for exercise, you can alway walk the curves and sprint the straight stretches on the track.  You repeat this as many times as you can.  Each time you do this you will improve a little.  

Examples of Interval Training:

1. Spinning Class
2. Circuit training
3. Weight Machines – alter weight and pace
4. Walking and Jogging
5. Stairs – alternate walking and jogging

So does interval training help with weight loss?  As I have said many times, any activity including playing chess can help with weight loss if it distracts you from eating or burns enough calories to cause a deficit in your energy expenditure.  I have heard time and again that the best exercise for weight loss is interval training but is there any research to prove this or is this just an old wives’ tale?  The short answer is yes and this pans out in research study after research study.  One study performed on female athletes showed that interval training increased their muscle mass, but it also increased fatty acid oxidation by 36% in just 2 weeks​[1]​.  Fatty acid oxidation would burn fat.  Another study showed that subjects have an improvement in their body composition and blood glucose.  The body composition improvement required 12 weeks of interval training​[2]​.  

Recommendations:

• Start slow.  Start with shorter intervals and less of them.  This will reduce the possibility of an injury.  
• Always stretch.  Stretch before and after.
• Warm-up.  Always warm-up and cool down before and after an interval workout, respectively. 
• Talk to your medical provider.  Always check with a medical provider prior to undertaking any new exercise program but especially this one because it is very strenuous.

The bottom line: Interval training or High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an excellent form of exercise. It burns lots of calories and improves cardiovascular fitness. This fact makes HIIT a perfect exercise for weight loss.