Is this reported benefit of high-intensity interval training too good to be true?
Another purported benefit of HIIT is your body’s ability to stay in metabolism-boosting mode long after your workout.
But are these benefits too good to be true?
Is the HIIT afterburn real?
Here’s what science has to say about it.
It refers to the oxygen your body needs to restore itself to the pre-workout statemeaning your resting metabolism.
“Your metabolism stays up for a period of time after exercise,” he adds.
So if you burned 300 calories during your workout, your afterburn would only be about 18 to 45.
(Exercise isn’t the only way to maintain a high metabolism, BTW.
Lifestyle changes such aseating sufficient proteinmight also help.)
A few other factors alter your HIIT afterburn rewards: weight, fitness level, andmuscle massplay a role.
you’ve got the option to expect these people to have a more sustained HIIT afterburn effect.
Does HIIT Afterburn Last 24 Hours?
Astudy from Colorado State Universityevaluated participants who performedsprint interval trainingand then measured their post-workoutcalorie burn.
(And it should be noted that your body constantly burns energy andcalories, even at rest.)
So does that mean the 24-hour afterburn effect is just a fairytale?
“Never say never.
There might be a really heroic exercise program that can do it,” says Keating.
Other benefits of HIIT includeimproved insulin sensitivityand blood pressure.
Interval training is also better at preservinglean body mass, says Keating.
And the more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll burn while at rest.
(Up next:The Difference Between Muscular Endurance and Muscular Strength, Explained)
