Curtis Harwell Discusses Why We Need Lots of High Intensity Interval Training

The intense work periods may range from 5

seconds to 8 minutes long, and are performed

at 80% to 95% of a person’s estimated maximal

heart rate, the maximum number of times

your heart will beat in a minute without

overexerting yourself. The recovery periods may

last equally as long as the work periods and are

usually performed at 40% to 50% of a person’s

estimated maximal heart rate. The workout

continues with the alternating work and relief

periods totaling 20 to 60 minutes.

What are the benefits of HIIT?

HIIT training has been shown to improve:

• aerobic and anaerobic fitness

• blood pressure

• cardiovascular health

• insulin sensitivity (which helps the exercising

muscles more readily use glucose for fuel to

make energy)

• cholesterol profiles

• abdominal fat and body weight while

maintaining muscle mass