9781422272152

While there are lots of ways to actually use this technique when it comes toworking out, the definition above is the foundation for any variation of HIIT. WHYGO ANAEROBIC? Anaerobic training such as HIIT is commonly used in athletic training for a number of reasons. Anaerobic exercise involves maintaining the heart rate at 80–90 percent of maximal levels. Besides themetabolic shift previously mentioned, the body, sensing it is burning oxygen at a greater level than its supply, begins to fuel the muscular systemusing glycogen. This fuel source is actually stored in themuscles, primed and ready to go for these types of situations. As it breaks down, glycogen results in a buildup of lactic acid in skeletal muscle. This is actually what you are feeling as you notice the burning sensation in your muscles during exercise. Once a certain level of lactic acid is present inmuscle tissue, it can no longer performat optimum levels.

THE EVER ADAPTIVE HUMAN BODY Our bodies are absolutely

incredible at changing to meet the demands of our external environment. If exposed to a stimulus consistently, whatever this factor may be, there is a good chance that your body will call an audible to adjust for this new “normal.” This is one of the neatest things about working out and preparing for sports. Each time you subject your body to the physical challenges required in your sport, whether this occurs in preparation or in a game situation, your body gets the memo. Athletics and fitness are some of the most obvious examples of how adaptable and dynamic we are as human beings.

To becomemore able to continuously performat a high level in competition, the body needs the ability tomore efficiently flush lactic acid frommuscle tissue. When an athlete consistently trains using anaerobicmethods like HIIT, they can actually reach the point where their bodies get rid of lactic

9

What is High-Intensity Interval Training?