HIIT vs Strength Training: Which is better for weight loss?

Want to know which workout for weightloss is better HIIT or Strength training. This post will explain what each one is and the benefits for fat loss.

HIIT VS STRENGTH TRAINING

High Intensity Interval Training

What is High Intensity Interval Training?

High-Intensity Interval Training or HIIT training are short bursts of intense workouts mixed with lower intensity workouts. The goal is to get your heart rate up to about 80-90% of your maximum heart rate then bring it all the way back down during the period of lower intensity training and rest periods in between. Then you keep repeating that process. 

Benefits of HIIT

1. According to the National Library of Medicine , training at high intensity is a better way to loose pounds of body fat compared to traditional exercise.
2. Probably one of the best reasons to do HIIT workouts is You can do them anywhere and with little to no equipment. When I first started HIIT training I would run outside or on a treadmill. You can also do it on a bike or take a HIIT training class like High Fitness.

Cons

1. Requires a lot of effort. In order to get your heart rate up to 80-90% the intense part of the workout is pretty demanding. Start slow and work your way up.
2. There is a higher risk for injury since it does require maximum effort. Some may risk proper form in order to go faster or to get in more reps. Always listen to your body, pay attention to proper form and remember consistancy is the best way results. You will get better the longer to stick with it.

Some of my faves

• High Fitness is a HIIT aerobic exercise class choreographed to music that is so much fun.

• Running outside. I would do different intervals with sprints, jogs and rests mixed together.

Strength Training

What is strength training?

Strength training uses muscular contractions to build muscle strength. Strength training has so many benefits that aid in everyday life. With a proper exercise routine, strength training workout can be an effective way to improve overall health. You can incorporate strength workouts in may different ways from banded resistance training, weight training, workouts with free weights and even bodyweight exercises.

Benefits of Strength Training

1. Strength training can speed up the fat loss process.
2. Increasing muscle tissues with strength training also boosts your resting metabolic rate which means STRENGTH TRAINING WORKOUTS CAN HELP INCREASE YOUR METABOLISM! Yes please!
3. When you strength train you reduce your chances of getting injured during other types of exercises. It increases flexibility, mobility and improves your bone density which helps with age related muscle loss.
4. Lifting weights for less than an hour a week may also increase cardiovascular health.

Cons

1. Recovery time is longer and much needed in between workout. With strength training the body is being put through a lot of stress and your muscles need time to recover.
2. Injuries can occur more often in you aren’t focusing on proper form and without proper form you most likely won’t be targeting the correct muscle group hence wasting your time.

Some of my favorites for strength training days would be working out different muscle groups each day. So I might focus on exercises geared for legs on Tuesday and Biceps on Wednesday. Another favorite is a format called Surge which involves lifting lighter weights choreographed to music.

Which is better for weightloss?

Well, both are great for weight loss. HIIT I like to say you get more bang for your buck here in terms of time hehe. You can burn a ton of calories and lose body weight in less time since a HIIT training workout doesn’t need to be long to see results. You also burn more calories throughout the day after a HIIT training workout.

Doing strength training workouts will burn less calories than a HIIT workout however the increase in muscle you will build helps increase your metabolism overall.

By adding both to a workout routine is a great way to loose weight and increase your health overall.

Kimberly Isabelle