Do you know HIIT training? High intensity interval training is a new fitness method that allows you to build muscle (and therefore refine) in record time. The principle: to carry out each day a “circuit” of targeted exercises (lunges, squats, push-ups, abs …) with a very high intensity. In general, a HIIT session lasts only 10 minutes: enough time to burn around 500 Kcal …
While HIIT training is great for our figure, it would also be beneficial … for our mood. Indeed, a new study coordinated by the University of Turku (in Finland) and published on August 24, 2017 in the specialized journal Neuropsychopharmacology has just shown that this fitness method promotes a massive release of endorphins in the brain.
To arrive at this conclusion, the researchers worked with 22 volunteers, adult and healthy men to whom they proposed either a 60-minute aerobic session (classic cardio training) or a HIIT session of around 10 minutes. . In parallel, the brain activity of the volunteers was measured using a positron emission tomography (PET) technique.
Endorphins, the hormones of happiness
Verdict? Researchers found that a HIIT session released more endorphins than an aerobic session. In addition, the morale of the volunteers was generally better after a session of high intensity interval training. Another good reason to get started!
In October 2015, researchers from the University of Exeter (UK) had already highlighted some benefits of HIIT training: they had discovered that one HIIT session per day for two weeks significantly improved adolescent cardiovascular health – blood circulation and heart rate, in particular.
One word of warning though: HIIT training remains very demanding on the physical level. Before you start, ask your general practitioner for advice!
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