You must have heard of HIIT training (for high intensity interval training) : this fitness method is all the rage among the stars and is slowly arriving in France. The principle ? Perform a series of targeted exercises daily (abs, squats, lunges, push-ups …), respecting a very specific circuit and following a frantic pace: in total, the training lasts only 7 to 10 minutes per day, but reached records of intensity.
If HIIT is ideal for getting back in shape (and building up a bit of muscle), a recent study from the University of Exeter (United Kingdom) has just shown that in addition, this high intensity interval training would be good for the heart of our teenagers. Explanations.
Ten minutes of sport a day, no more!
The researchers asked 6 girls and 7 boys aged 13 to 14 to do HIIT training for two weeks. Each day, the volunteers had to do 6 sports circuits in a row: each circuit lasted 1 minute, with a 70 second break between each.
Results ? At the end of the experiment, the researchers observed a better blood circulation in adolescents, as well as a heartbeat less irregular. “High intensity sports exercise promotes good cardiovascular health, especially in adolescents,” concludes Dr. Alan Baker, lead author of this study published in the scientific journal American Journal of Physiology. It is a good habit that must be taken very early so that it lasts into adulthood. Ten minutes of sport a day to do good to your heart is not expensive, right? “
Please note: HIIT training remains very physically demanding. Before you start, ask your general practitioner for advice.
