High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-intensity interval training is a trending technique of physical fitness embraced by many Americans. It involves the combination of cardio resistance and strength activities, which are done for very short periods in a single training session. Most Americans have prioritized physical fitness on a regular basis. Physical fitness is a critical aspect that has helped in dealing with health problems such as obesity. Most youth, men, and Hispanics have embraced physical fitness as a daily routine (A. Alahmadi)
Previously, one would live his or her home as an individual and go to a central park to run some laps then go back home. Indeed, practicing on a case-by-case basis may be discouraging at times forcing one to forsake exercise for something else. An increased number of Americans take part in high-intensity training such as boot camps and Cross Fit which is way higher than their capability. Previously, one would live his or her home as an individual and go to a central park to run some laps then go back home. However, Americans have embraced group training programs which keep them motivated to exercise on a regular basis. Working together with others to achieve a specific objective provides social support hence positively impacting on the participant’s commitment (Fair 284-285).
The High-Intensity Interval Training trend has had numerous positive effects on those taking part. Health wise, the training program has helped fight obesity amongst many American citizens.

This training helps in burning calories on a higher percentage, averagely eighteen percent than other standard exercises. Who would not go for such a promising option for weight loss? The final results are very impressive such that many people have been lured to follow this path (A. Alahmadi).
Other than the high percentage of calories done away with, high-intensity interval training is less time-consuming. As most participants would say, a lot is achieved in a short duration. Most people exclude physical exercise from their daily schedules due to the amount of time it requires. Time is a limited resource that has to be well managed to maximize the day’s output. Rationally, one cannot go for a training program that takes an eternity to achieve results. Rather, they will select a program that requires less time and results are realized quickly. This is why high-intensity interval programs have had increased recruitments of late. A lot of exercises are done within a short period leading to success yet the amount of time invested is less (Holmes 632-632).
As much as the trend has impacted people’s lives positively, to some extent, it is worrying due to its side effects. As discussed above, it enables one to lose weight in a short period but excludes important factors that sum up to make a healthy body. These factors include rest, exercise progression and different types of workouts. As the name suggest, it is an intensive training that may wear down the participants. Rest is an essential aspect in exercising that enables one to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next activity. Exclusion of rest just means that the participants are always stressed out by the training. It would be better if the training program included various types of workouts and rest as part of the curriculum (Ross, Porter and Durstine 139-144).
Activities embraced in Cross Fit program are essential and beneficial but dangerous at the same time. This is because report shows that the number of injuries from Cross Fit exercising has been increasing. The participants get injured because they want to be acknowledged as the best. This desire makes them keep on competing despite the fact that they may be injured. Such injuries have been on the rise due to peer pressure, making participants to exercise more than their ability (Ross, Porter and Durstine 139-144).
High intensive training is healthy in the aspect of weight loss but unhealthy in other sectors. When participants train intensively, for an extended period, they harden their blood vessels (arteries). This negatively affects the cardiovascular system. Therefore, as much as one is gaining their six packs, other body parts are endangered by the exercise. Rationally, between cardiovascular complications and obesity, I would prefer obesity. However, both health conditions are undesirable hence the most rational decision is to eliminate one complication without creating another. In such instances, regular day to day exercise is recommended since, though it is slow in achieving results, it does not cause harm to other body parts (Holmes 632-632).
Another con of high-intensity interval training is that it includes a lot of multi-directional moves. Numerous positional changes are undertaken in a short period. The side effect of this is that blood pools in the lower blood vessels and might as well cause the participant to be dizzy. Also, working out too much in short period course soreness of the muscle fibers may break down and get the kidneys poisoning them. In conclusion, high intensive internal training is a real trend adopted by most American students. However, it is a worrying trend due to the numerous side effects that people tend to ignore (Schoenfeld and Dawes 44-46).
Works cited
A. Alahmadi, Mohammad. “High-Intensity Interval Training And Obesity.” Journal of Novel Physiotherapies 04.03 (2014): n. pag. Web.
Fair, J. D. “Shelly Mckenzie. Getting Physical: The Rise Of Fitness Culture In America.”. The American Historical Review 120.1 (2015): 284-285. Web.
Holmes, David. “Cardiovascular Endocrinology: High-Intensity Interval Training Benefits Patients With T2DM”. Nat Rev Endocrinol 11.11 (2015): 632-632. Web.
Ross, Leanna M., Ryan R. Porter, and J. Larry Durstine. “High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) For Patients With Chronic Diseases.” Journal of Sport and Health Science 5.2 (2016): 139-144. Web.
Schoenfeld, Brad and Jay Dawes. “High-Intensity Interval Training: Applications For General Fitness Training.” Strength and Conditioning Journal 31.6 (2009): 44-46. Web.