The Battle of High-Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill: Which One Burns More Calories?
Fitness enthusiasts and workout junkies alike are always on the lookout for new and effective forms of exercise to boost their metabolism and burn a significant amount of calories. Among the many workout methods, a few stand out as the most popular, namely High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and treadmill workouts. But which one of these is more effective in burning those pesky calories? Let us dive deep into the world of HIIT and treadmill workouts and find out.
About High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is an exercise routine that involves short, intense bursts of physical activity that are alternated with periods of rest or low-intensity workouts. It can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and the workouts can be customized to the level of fitness of the individual. The idea behind HIIT is that the intense bursts of workouts can help to increase the body’s metabolic rate, leading to the burning of more calories even after the workout has ended.
About Treadmill Workouts
Treadmill workouts, on the other hand, involve running, jogging or walking on a treadmill. The intensity of the workout can be adjusted by changing the incline or speed of the treadmill. It is a popular form of cardio exercise that can help to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.
Which One Burns More Calories?
When it comes to burning calories, both HIIT and treadmill workouts are effective. However, studies have shown that HIIT is more effective in burning calories compared to treadmill workouts. In fact, a study by the American Council on Exercise found that HIIT workouts can burn up to 30% more calories than treadmill workouts in the same amount of time.
Why is HIIT More Effective?
The reason behind HIIT’s effectiveness is the concept of the afterburn effect. HIIT workouts involve short, intense bursts of activity that push the body to its limit. This leads to an increased metabolic rate, which means that the body continues to burn calories even after the workout has ended. This afterburn effect can last for up to 24 hours after the workout, resulting in a significant amount of calories burned.
How Many Calories Does Each Burn?
To put things into perspective, let us look at some numbers. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a 155-pound person can burn the following number of calories during 30 minutes of exercise:
- HIIT – 372 calories
- Treadmill (running at 5mph) – 298 calories
- Treadmill (walking at 4mph) – 149 calories
As you can see, HIIT burns significantly more calories compared to treadmill workouts.
Benefits of HIIT
Aside from burning more calories, HIIT also provides several other benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Increased cardiovascular fitness
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Increased muscle mass
- Reduced risk of heart disease
Benefits of Treadmill Workouts
Treadmill workouts, on the other hand, also have several benefits aside from burning calories. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved bone density
- Reduced joint impact compared to running on pavement
Conclusion
In conclusion, both HIIT and treadmill workouts are effective in burning calories and improving overall fitness. However, if you are looking to burn the most amount of calories in the shortest amount of time, HIIT is the way to go. Not only does it burn more calories, but it also provides several additional health benefits. So, if you are ready to push yourself to your limit, give HIIT a try and watch those calories burn!
