What are the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) primarily stands out for its ability to burn calories efficiently in a shorter time frame. HIIT involves alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and recovery periods, which not only raises the heart rate but also increases the metabolic rate even after the workout has concluded. This afterburn effect, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), allows for additional calorie burning post-exercise, making HIIT a time-efficient workout option.

While other physical benefits such as core strength improvement, flexibility enhancement, and muscle endurance increase are valuable in their own right, they are not the primary advantages typically associated with HIIT. Core strength may improve indirectly through specific HIIT exercises that engage the core, but it isn't the core focus of HIIT routines. Similarly, flexibility is not directly targeted in HIIT, which is more about cardiovascular and strength benefits rather than stretching. Muscle endurance can also benefit from HIIT, but the main hallmark of the technique is its capacity to deliver significant calorie expenditure in a condensed period, appealing especially to those looking to maximize their workout efficiency.