To HITT or to CROSS FIT.. is that the question when it comes to fitness? By Swell Nel

To HITT or to CROSS FIT.. is that the question when it comes to fitness? By Swell Nel

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Crossfit are two of the most popular fitness programs in existence. They're both intense, challenging and effective. But which one is better for you? It depends on your goals, experience level, body type and more. Let's explore these popular forms of training.

What is HIIT?

HIIT is short for High Intensity Interval Training. It's a training method that alternates periods of short, intense anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods.

In the context of HIIT, one could say HIIT would be your overall goal, but it doesn't have to be just that. You can also HIIT by doing cardio circuits or sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and times for example!

What is CROSS FIT?

CROSS FIT is a type of high intensity training that combines weightlifting, gymnastics and cardiovascular exercise.

The range and breadth of cross fit exercises and events can be mind-boggling. It’s important to note that some cross fit moves are not for everyone. Not only can it be dangerous if you haven’t been properly coached, but it also requires serious commitment from its participants to reap the benefits (and avoid injury).

For those who are willing to put in the hard work however, cross fit can be an extremely effective way to build muscle and burn fat while improving overall physical strength and conditioning.

Which should I choose?

It depends on your goals. HIIT is reputed to be great for fat loss because it’s an excellent way to burn calories while improving your cardiovascular fitness. HIIT workouts are also great if you want to improve aerobic capacity (your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise).

HIIT is also a fantastic, efficient way to improve your health and fitness—especially if you’re new to exercise. If you’re just starting out, HIIT will help you reap the benefits of exercise quickly. Even if you have more experience working out, HIIT can still be useful because it improves cardiovascular function (heart rate and blood pressure) and muscular endurance with less time spent exercising than other forms of aerobic exercise, such as jogging or cycling.

HIIT also has unique benefits for losing weight: research suggests that it causes an increase in metabolism that can last up to 72 hours after the workout ends. This means that even when not exercising, your body is still burning more calories than usual due to previous workouts!

CROSS FIT is often used for muscle gain and strength objectives because it uses multiple muscle groups in a single workout, giving you more bang for your buck when it comes to training intensity.

It’s always a great plan to consult a fitness professional for an appropriate exercise prescription based on your fitness goals and training experience. We’re building connections across the industry and will soon be featuring classes and moves inspired by HIIT and Cross Fit, so watch this space!

In the end, your decision should be based on your goals and personal preferences. If you like HIIT more than CrossFit but still want to try something new, you can start with a HIIT class at the gym to give it a try. If you like CrossFit but want a more intense cardio workout, then HIIT is the way to go! Whatever route you choose, remember that regular exercise is always a good idea for our SWELLness (fitness and wellness) —so get out there and move, even just ten minutes a day can make a difference!

 

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