High Intensity Interval Training(HIIT) is currently a trending topic on the fitness front. HIIT pairs high-intensity exercise intervals with low to moderate-intensity exercise recovery phases. With numerous people getting amazing results out of this, many myths have come to surround HIIT.
So, here are 8 myths surrounding HIIT, debunked.
Myth1: HIIT Is for Everyone
While everyone can do a HIIT workout, beginners should avoid going head on, on their first day. It’s better to slowly ease into the HIIT routine, as that will reduce the risk of injuries and muscle soreness.
Myth2: HIIT Is All About Cardio
HIIT is just about increasing the intensity of your workout. The purpose of HIIT is to go full throttle for a short period of time, followed by a period of low intensity. While performing HIIT, you can do bodyweight workouts, typical weightlifting sessions and sports-centric workouts instead of just cardio.
Myth3: HIIT Is the Only Workout You Need
If you only do HIIT, you will make good progress, but not as much as you could make if you mixed traditional strength training in with it.
Myth4: HIIT Should Replace Regular Cardio
Low-intensity steady-state cardio workouts are ideal for warming up and cooling down, as well as for recovery days when you’re giving your muscles a break. If you only did HIIT workouts, you’d miss out on cardiovascular endurance.
Myth5: Focus Your HIIT on Specific Body Parts
Do this, and you’ll be wasting your time! HIIT workouts should focus on your entire body, using exercises that work out your upper body, legs and cardiovascular system.
Myth6: HIIT and SMIT are the Same
Many people are actually doing Supramaximal Interval Training (SMIT) and mistakenly calling it HIIT. HIIT involves performing high-intensity exercise intervals, interspersed with low to moderate-intensity exercise. SMIT, in contrast, involves performing all-out bursts of exercise, interspersed with full rest periods, or no activity.
Myth7: More Is Better
If you’re working out properly, you won’t be able to keep up a HIIT workout for more than 20 to 30 minutes. Don’t push yourself too far past the 20-minute mark, and make sure to give your body at least 48 hours to recover between serious HIIT workouts.
Myth8: HIIT Builds Massive Amounts of Muscle
HIIT will not help you build muscle mass; it will only help maintain the lean muscle you already have. The focus of HIIT is on cardiovascular endurance and preventing muscle breakdown during exercise. If your goal is to gain muscle mass, you should not be doing HIIT.