HIIT Versus Cardio (longer workout, less intense)

This is a brief comparison of the two, but each method of exercise should be studied in greater detail for a proper understanding.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has the advantage of investing less time for a greater benefit. Also HIIT works a variety of different areas around the body. The disadvantages include increased stress on the joints. HIIT is not for someone beginning a new exercise regimen. For long-time experienced exercisers, HITT will provide the increased resistance needed to burn off additional calories.

If you have the time, less intense cardio workouts such as walking and jogging can have the same effect with less stress on the joints. Walking should be done briskly with arms moving to increase the burning of calories. You may consider a light weight in the hands (1 or 2 lbs). Jogging is not sprinting; jogging should be performed with minimal stress on your joints and minimal bouncing.

All sports require the appropriate equipment for safety and mitigation of physical damage. Proper shoes designed for your workout are a necessity. For example a good jogging shoe is designed to make sure that your foot lands properly and rolls so less impact is placed on your knees and ankles. I use cross trainers all the time, but not for jogging. I do not use the same shoes for sprinting and jogging. Depending upon the type of HIIT workouts, you should consider hightops with lateral support if you are performing a large amount of lateral movements

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In addition to proper shoes, proper body alignment is very important for all forms of exercise. Alignment aids in breathing and in preventing injury. One of the best tools for assessing body alignment is a mirror. (actually having a professional trainer is better) You may need several mirrors depending on what type of exercise you are performing, but you should be able to see yourself from various angles. A good substitution for a mirror is a webcam. The mirror provides instant feedback, but a video of yourself can still reveal flaws. During some stretches, you may not be able to see the mirror and the video may be more useful.

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Explanation of interval training >>>>

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Below are two examples of HIIT