High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a trend in exercise for the people who lead busy life simply, because time is pressed. The short-but-effective training, which only lasts 60 seconds, is said to be more effective for everyone. Is it true?

High intensity interval exercise gives specific benefits

HIIT is a great exercise for cardiovascular health and blood sugar, as reported by the Science News. Apparently, weight loss is not included. The HIIT training can sculpt body but it has the least effect in weight loss. According to Kathryn Weston, a scientist in Teesside University, Middlesbrough, in a short but high intensity workout - a person does not lose energy up to a certain level where it can slim down the body. However, it does impact how you look in the mirror.

Not everyone will gain the same benefits

An athlete who has hours of workout per day, may experience the least benefit of HIIT because their body is 'too fit' to gain anything. Alas for patients with cardiac problem, they would be too weak to endure the intense workout routine. Hence, the workout result depends on the goal that each individual is aiming for.

You still need to warm up

Kathleen Trotter, personal trainer and an advocate of the intense-workout says that intervals can be harder - which is why a person has to plan their workout, including warming up and recovery time. Speaking to The Star, she says that the one minute training does not include stretching but that does not mean stretching is unimportant.

A slightly different from traditional endurance training

Martin Gibala, kinesiologist at McMaster University, explains to MacClean's that HIIT is a promising exercise proven to have benefits. But it is unlikely to produce similar benefits to the traditional endurance training. The evidence, according to Gibala, shows that since intensity workout has a short duration, it cannot be compared to the traditional approach. Unless there is more effort put in it, including 'more intensity' and 'more times'.