22 Sep HIIT: The Type of Exercise That May Reduce Aging
Most men, and women, today would love to find that magical potion that suddenly reverses the signs of aging. Unfortunately, there is no way to turn back the hands of time, but according to research, there may actually be ways to reduce the signs of aging by doing the right type of exercise: HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training.
A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, which featured scientists from the Mayo Clinic actually found that in both male and female focus groups, that HIIT actually reversed age-related cell changes.
In fact, the cells were making more proteins to help with energy production. Overall, the group from this study found an improvement in their insulin sensitivity and an increase in ribosome activity which helps create muscles. More specifically, HIIT also impacts your mitochondrion count. The mitochondria are the “powerhouse”
That’s not all! HIIT can also help improve your heart health and reduce inflammation, all while keeping you fit, healthy and helping you maintain a healthy weight. In short, you won’t only look younger, but you’ll feel younger, too.
What is HIIT Training?
If you aren’t already familiar with HIIT training, this type of exercise has been one of the most popular forms of training over the past few years. The idea behind this high-intensity training is that you give 100% effort and go all out through quick but intense bursts of exercise. Then you have a short recovery period. The goal is to get your heart rate up and help you burn more fat in less time.
In fact, HIIT will burn more fat and calories than regular aerobic exercises, meaning you can lose more weight doing these short, high-intensity workouts than you can by going for a jog. Your HIIT exercises may include sprints, jumping rope, burpees, squats or pushups. In most situations, HIIT just uses body weight, but additional weights may be added for more resistance. Typically, you do 20-30 seconds of high-intensity exercise, such as performing as many burpees as you can, followed by 15 to 30 seconds of rest, less active exercise or active rest.
What Are Other Benefits of HIIT Training?
In addition to some of the anti-aging benefits of HIIT, there are a number of other great perks of this form of exercise. This includes:
- HIIT Exercises are Quick and Easy
With HIIT, you can get the same results as you would by spending hours in the gym, typically in just 25-30 minutes. The workouts are fast, convenient and typically don’t require any equipment.
- HIIT Boosts Your Metabolism
Nothing will make you feel younger like having your metabolism from your teens or twenties back. Studies have found that HIIT can boost your metabolism for up to 48 hours after your workout, meaning you are still burning fat and calories even when you are done exercising.
- HIIT Helps Create Lean Muscle
After a certain age, most men aren’t looking for that ultra-bulky, body-builder physique. HIIT training helps build a leaner, more toned look and can have you looking slimmer and more cut than ever.
- HIIT Builds Better Cardiovascular Health
As men start to age, cardiovascular health can become a major concern. HIIT is all about raising your heart rate and keeping your metabolism running. As a result, it will help you build a stronger cardiovascular system so you can keep common health issues at bay.
These are just some of the many perks that can come with HIIT training. However, as many aging men discover, sometimes it can be difficult to find the right motivation and energy levels to start a new exercise routine such as HIIT. If you are lacking motivation or are hesitant about starting a new program, then low testosterone levels may be to blame.
The good news is, if you schedule an appointment at LT Men’s Clinic by calling (817) 406-3798, we can test your testosterone levels for you. The process takes less than 30 minutes and you can start treatment right away so you can get the proper testosterone levels and the proper energy you need to start a workout regimen that can help you feel younger than ever.