Winter can be brutal for those who work out, especially if they prefer to do so outdoors. Cyclists and outdoor joggers may not be able to get the same amount of exercise as they usually would. Some people may consider high-intensity interval training to get the most out of their limited time. But can you do high-interval intensity training in winter? Most definitely, and here’s how you can start a new regimen.
The Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training
As the name implies, HIIT is challenging. Its primary function is to push you out of your comfort zone, with your body reaping the benefits. One of the best machines to implement HIIT training on is an exercise bike. You can also use HIIT for any cardio workout, including running, rowing, stairs, and jumping rope. The point is to work intensely, slow down for recovery, and speed up again for a high-intensity workout. You don’t have to work out as long as a traditional workout to get the benefits of HIIT.
In other words, HIIT works well for weight loss, muscle building, and metabolism-boosting. And you get to enjoy extra calorie burn for about two hours after working out. HIIT can be a great way to work out in the winter if you feel like you don’t have much time. Condensing your workout down to short intervals can help you squeeze some exercise in before work or between busy chores.
There Is No Substitute for Volume
If HIIT is so effective, you might be questioning why so many professional sports teams do not use it. The reason is that they want long-term progression and seek to attain a sustainably high level of peak performance.
While you may be able to exercise at those high intensities for some time, you usually cannot sustain those levels long-term. Because you can do more work at lower intensities, working out using that training method builds up more extended peak performance periods.
Some Exercise Is Better Than No Exercise
When asking yourself, “Can I do high-intensity training in winter?” the answer is yes, as some exercise is always better than none. And thankfully, HITT is effective even when you are at your busiest. HIIT works to squeeze fitness into your most active weeks of the year, which means keeping your body moving even when you don’t have the usual amount of time to exercise.
Focusing on high-intensity exercise in the winter months is known as reverse periodization and works well in cold temperatures. This can keep you from backsliding and losing performance. As long as you remember that intensity and volume work conversely, this can be a valuable tool in your exercise arsenal.