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HIIT Training Research Paper

Decent Essays

PE 160
4/24/2018
HIIT Training Topic Paper
Aynslie Skye Glendenning

High-intensity interval training has been gaining more recognition as a way to boost weight loss and improve muscular, among other benefits. But what exactly is it? What is the science behind why it’s so effective? And what are the risks associated? (Kravitz, Ph.D., L. (2014). ACSM Information on High-Intensity Interval Training.)
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an exercise done with periods of high intensity, these periods are done repeatedly, with small recovery breaks. These types of workouts can be done in as little as 20 minutes, up to an hour. The high-intensity intervals can be done for 5 seconds, …show more content…

In this time period, the body uses more energy than normal because it is trying to “restore” everything back to the level it was, before exercise. Because EPOC is more significant after HIIT workouts, it allows the body to burn more calories. (Kravitz, Ph.D., L. (2014). ACSM Information on High-Intensity Interval Training.)

Recently, a study done by Hakan Westerblad explored why HIIT training is effective in terms of building muscular endurance. He and his team analyzed muscle samples from participants engaging in High-Intensity Interval Training. The participants “…alternated between pedaling a stationary bike for 30 seconds at top intensity and resting for three minutes six times.” (Park, A. (2015, November 03). Interval Training: Scientists Explain Why It Works.) After analyzing the muscle biopsies, Hakan and his team concluded that because of the HITT exercise, changes in the muscle occurred at a cellular level. He says, “When stressed by the extreme exercise, certain chemical channels in the muscle cells that regulate calcium changes in the cells broke down. What we found was a breakdown of these channels that was totally unexpected.” (Park, A. 2015, November 03. Interval Training: Scientists Explain Why It

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