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There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and is HIIT good after weight training.
Some people believe that HIIT can negate the benefits of weightlifting, while others maintain that it can improve muscle growth and fat loss.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both sides of the argument and conclude based on the evidence.
The first thing to consider is that HIIT can be very taxing on the body. It requires a lot of energy and can be quite challenging to recover from, especially if you are not used to it.
This is why some people believe it is not ideal to perform HIIT after weightlifting, as your body will already be fatigued from the lifting.
Benefits of HIIT after Weight lifting
HIIT can have some benefits when performed after weightlifting. First, it can help improve your VO₂ max, which is the amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise.
HIIT has also been shown to increase the size and number of mitochondria in muscle cells responsible for producing energy. This can lead to improved endurance and performance.
In addition, HIIT has been shown to increase the release of growth hormone and testosterone, both of which are critical for muscle growth.
Finally, HIIT can help you burn more calories in a shorter time, which is ideal if you are trying to lose fat.
Negatives of HIIT after Weight Lifting
There are a few potential negatives to consider as well. First, as we mentioned, HIIT can be very taxing on the body and may cause you to feel more fatigued during your lifting session.
HIIT can also lead to a decrease in force production, which can be detrimental to your lifting performance.
Finally, it is essential to note that HIIT should not be performed daily. If you lift weights five or six days per week, you should only be doing HIIT one or two days per week. This will help you avoid overtraining and allow your body to recover properly.
So, Is HIIT Good After Weight Training?
The answer to this question depends on many factors. If you are new to lifting weights, it is probably best to avoid HIIT after weight training until you have built up a solid base of strength and endurance.
However, if you are experienced with lifting and are looking for ways to improve your results, HIIT can be a great addition to your program. Just be sure to listen to your body and don’t overdo it.
FAQ
Q: What should I do after weight training?
A: The answer to this question depends on your goals. HIIT may be a good option if you want to improve your VO₂ max. However, it is best to avoid HIIT if you are trying to maximize force production.
Q: Is HIIT good after weight training for muscle growth?
A: HIIT has been shown to increase the release of growth hormone and testosterone, both critical for muscle growth. Additionally, HIIT can help improve your VO₂ max and increase the number and size of mitochondria in muscle cells.
Q: Is HIIT good after weight training for fat loss?
A: Yes, HIIT can be beneficial for fat loss. This is because it can help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. HIIT has also been shown to increase the release of growth hormone, which can help improve your metabolism and aid fat loss.
Q: Can I do HIIT before or after weight training to burn more fat?
A: The order in which you do your cardio, and weight training workouts don’t matter much. What’s more important is how you structure each type of workout.
If your goal is to build muscle, doing cardio before or after weights makes little difference.
However, it’s best to do HIIT after weight training if you want to lose fat. HIIT raises your heart rate and helps you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. It also helps to improve your insulin sensitivity, which is important for fat loss.
So if you’re looking to lose fat, doing HIIT after weight training is the way to go. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to recover between workouts.
Q: Is it better to do HIIT in the morning or evening?
A: The best time to do HIIT is when you have the most energy. For some people, that’s in the morning. For others, it’s in the evening.
It is essential to find a time that works for you and stick to it. If you can’t do HIIT in the morning, don’t force yourself. You’ll just end up feeling tired and burned out. Do HIIT when you have the energy and you’ll see better results.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence, HIIT can have both positive and negative effects when performed after weightlifting. However, the positives outweigh the negatives significantly if you are properly recovered and rested before performing HIIT.
If you decide to incorporate HIIT into your lifting routine, listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
Do you HIIT after your weightlifting workouts? Let us know in the comments below!
Owner and author at shortandintense.com , 25 years as a quality and health and safety professional with an in-depth knowledge of functional and corrective exercises. IHoS registered,lead auditor, personal trainer and human movement specialist.