What Beats Cardio? HIIT
If you are a fan of cardiovascular exercise, you may think there is nothing better. Guess again! Researchers have found that High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is more effective than Continuous Moderate Intensity Exercise or cardiovascular exercise. HIIT is more effective at improving peak oxygen consumption and decreasing fasting glucose levels in adults with cardiometabolic conditions – such as heart disease, obesity or metabolic syndrome. That’s right…it may be time to trade your cardiovascular routine in for something new.
Confused? You are probably wondering why improving peak oxygen consumption and decreasing fasting glucose levels are important. Here’s why:
- Elevated fasting glucose levels are a common symptom found in adults, who are obese, with metabolic syndrome as well as heart disease.
- Elevated fasting glucose levels are an uncommon syndrome in adults at normal weight without heart conditions or metabolic syndrome.
Commonly associated with elevated fasting glucose levels is low peak oxygen consumption. V02 max is a measurement of your body’s ability to transport and use oxygen during exercise. It is also a strong indicator of your physical fitness.
- A high V02 max is good.
- A low V02 max is not so good.
The bottom line? You never want your doctor to tell you that you have elevated fasting glucose levels! What can you do to get read of elevated fasting glucose levels? Do more HIIT!
