Comparing Exercise Methods: How HIIT Beats Endurance Training in Fat Loss
In a study, researchers set out to investigate how different exercise routines affect body fat and muscle metabolism in young adults. They divided participants into two groups: one underwent a 20-week endurance training (ET) program, and the other followed a 15-week high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) program.
The key difference between these two programs was the duration and energy expenditure. The endurance training program was longer and burned more energy, approximately 120.4 megajoules. In contrast, the HIIT program was shorter and used significantly less energy, around 57.9 megajoules.
What surprised the researchers was that despite the HIIT program being both shorter and less energy-intensive, it proved to be more effective in reducing subcutaneous adiposity (fat under the skin) compared to the endurance training program.
When the researchers factored in the energy cost of each training method, they found that the decrease in the sum of six subcutaneous skinfolds induced by the HIIT program was a staggering nine times greater than that achieved by the ET program.
This finding challenges the conventional wisdom that longer, more endurance-focused workouts are the most effective for fat loss. Instead, it suggests that high-intensity interval training, which involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods, can deliver superior fat-burning results despite using less energy.
In essence, it's not just about how long you work out or how many calories you burn during the exercise itself. The type and intensity of exercise play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of a fitness program. For those looking to shed body fat efficiently, incorporating HIIT workouts into their routine might be a highly effective strategy.
It's important to note that the study's findings may have implications for individuals seeking to optimize their fitness routines and achieve their body composition goals. However, individual preferences, fitness levels, and goals should also be taken into consideration when choosing between HIIT and endurance training.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential benefits of high-intensity interval training in achieving significant fat loss compared to longer endurance training, even when accounting for differences in energy expenditure. Fitness enthusiasts and those looking to improve their body composition should consider incorporating HIIT workouts into their training regimen for efficient fat-burning results.
Source: Tremblay A, Simoneau JA, Bouchard C. Impact of exercise intensity on body fatness and skeletal muscle metabolism. Metabolism. 1994 Jul;43(7):814-8. doi: 10.1016/0026-0495(94)90259-3. PMID: 8028502.
