FitnessIsKarma Staff Can HIIT Reduce Belly Fat? – We in our fast paced daily routine have very limited time for anything which is not instantly gratified. And health and fitness is somethings which is always a result of small thumb rule habits you inculcate now(i.e. your Karma) for a sustainable, long term delayed gratification. Believe me the satisfaction of that achievement is multiple folds better and long lasting than any instant gratification you encounter now. And “HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training” is one of the ways to achieve that long lasting satisfaction with limited time.
Note that the time is limited that means the effort needs to get doubled or even tripled depends on the individual. So if you are looking for a workout routine that can help you shed those stubborn pounds. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) might be the answer you’ve been searching for. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of HIIT workouts, their benefits, and whether they can specifically target belly fat. Let us break the logic behind and see how this can help us.
What is HIIT ?
As the name suggests – “HIIT-High intensity interval training” is not your average workout in fact it is literally how it sounds. It involves short busts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. Think of it as series of Sprints, where each sprint is followed by a short recovery time; for example – running on treadmill or even skipping ropes for 30-45 seconds with heart rates fluctuating between Aerobic to anaerobic range i.e. approx. between 140-165 BPM followed by a brief rest of 15-30 seconds. This type of training boosts your metabolism, sky rockets your calorie burn and even sustains for considerable amount of time even after you have finished the workout. This without any second thoughts promotes your fat loss journey which includes your belly fat.
Why has HIIT gained so much popularity ? What are its benefits ?
Apart from being really really time efficient that we already saw, it actually helps you improve your cardiovascular help and keeps you distant from commonly known abnormalities up rise like Fatty Liver, type 2 diabetes, plaque formation in blood vessels etc. It can also lead to muscle building if you do mix and match of cardio and high intensity weigh lifting promoting the growth of fast twitch muscle fiber, its a more advance technique but you can begin with simpler forms like Tabata protocol training(invented by Izumi Tabata).
Can HIIT reduce belly fat ?
Now, onto the burning question: can HIIT really help you reduce that stubborn belly fat. Researches have suggested that, HIIT has been shown to target visceral fat, the type of fat that accumulates around your organs and contributes to a larger waistline. But it focus is to contribute to overall body fat % reduction and not just the belly fat. In fact there is no proven research on a form of exercise which only promotes spot fat reduction like belly fat. Fitness is a lifestyle change and fat loss is just a by product of overall process.
Side note: If you need step by step guidance on how can you not skip your workouts check out this post.
If someone is telling you that this xyz exercise will surly do spot fat reduction for your belly or any other body part then its a plain lie. Our body deposits fat based on each individuals body type and many other factors, as spot fat deposition is not at all in our control, so is spot fat reduction. But, by incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine, you could see significant reductions in your body fat over time, including your belly 🙂
Getting Started with HIIT:
Ready to give HIIT a try? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose exercises that you enjoy and also that challenges you.
- Start with short intervals of high-intensity exercise followed by longer periods of rest or low-intensity activity.
- Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you build strength and endurance.
Side note: checkout this very simple and amazing Tabata training workout for beginners.
HIIT Variations and Workouts:
There are endless possibilities when it comes to HIIT workouts. From bodyweight exercises like burpees and jumping jacks to equipment-based routines using kettlebells or dumbbells, there’s something for everyone. Experiment with different exercises and find what works best for you. I personally find speed skipping combined with burpees in HIIT an enticing flavor to my morning fasted cardio.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, HIIT workouts have the potential to be a game-changer in your fitness journey, especially for your fat loss. By incorporating HIIT into your routine and staying consistent, you could see significant improvements in your overall health and fitness levels.
Ready to take the plunge and try HIIT for yourself? Share your experiences, questions, and favorite HIIT workouts in the comments below. Let’s support each other on our fitness journeys and work towards achieving our goals together. IGNITE. TRANSFORM. REPEAT.
