Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Guest Post: Theresa Grisanti /Break Free From Dieting

Hello Dear Readers:
    Welcome to a Wonderful Guest Poster, Theresa Grisanti. I love this post and find it so informative and sensible. Let me know your thoughts :)



Looking for a new workout?
by Theresa Grisanti

Traditional low-impact cardio-vascular workouts can take time and in some cases prove insufficient.  Have you ever found yourself doing all the things you should and you just can’t break through a plateau?

There's some interesting research coming out about a more effective and efficient way to work out. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) combined with a sensible diet can increase fat loss and cardiovascular fitness more effectively than consistent low intensity exercise.

What is HIIT?

HIIT uses intervals of fast bursts of exercise at maximum capacity followed by short periods of low to moderate intensity workouts.  The theory is that the harder you push yourself for short periods of time, your body gets the benefit of exertion and takes longer to recover.  The longer recovery means the body uses more energy to return to its baseline functioning.

There are many noted benefits to this type of exercise.
        HIIT uses both the aerobic and anaerobic systems within the body. 
        The body adapts the metabolism to burn more fat as fuel in a variety of conditions even after the workout.
        The body uses more calories in the work out and supporting the body during recovery.
        With significant weight loss, HIIT will protect against muscle loss that can occur in the absence of anaerobic workouts.

In a study conducted by Jason Talanian, a PhD student in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, published recently in the Journal of Applied Physiology, noted that regardless of the fitness level of the subject, after interval training, the amount of fat burned in an hour of continuous moderate cycling increased by 36 per cent and cardiovascular fitness increased by 13 per cent.1 [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070627140103.htm]

Keep This In Mind

Interval training is more effective but not necessarily easier to do. There are some things to keep in mind when considering interval training:

        Most importantly, check with your physician to determine if interval training is a wise choice and know your body’s limits. 
        Always warm up before intervals.  You are pushing your body as hard as possible and you don’t want injuries.
        Start slowly and progress as your body is able to do more.
        Increase your interval intensity and duration separately.  This should be a gradual progression.
        Stop at the first sign of pain.

High-Intensity Interval Training is a great way to improve your physical conditioning, improve your metabolism, build strength and endurance and do it all in a shorter amount of time.  Check out some of the many online article and suggestions about getting started with HIIT.  I personally love Hasfit.com as a resource for free workouts.  They have several HIIT videos to get you started.



Theresa Grisanti has been studying and applying her understanding of health, nutrition and intuitive eating for more than 15 years. Her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, included instruction from leaders in the holistic healing field, such as Andrew Weil and Mona Lisa Schultz. Find out more about Theresa's new program Break Free From Dieting and learn how to lose weight the natural way.

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