So the previous 3 parts of this series involve comparing traditional aerobic exercise with anaerobic exercise or High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT. Both forms have their benefits, but the stimulation of human growth hormone or HGH with HIIT maximizes health and strength and enables effective and quicker training results. The following according to Slosberg and Mercola is a list of benefits from HIIT and raising HGH levels from 500-750%:
- Massive breakdown of stored glycogen in Type 2a and 2b muscle fibers.
- Increased insulin sensitivity.
- Increase activation of hormone-sensitive lipase (fat breakdown enzyme) and breakdown of fats for energy.
- Decreased insulin levels, blood sugar, blood fats, and blood pressure.
- Increased production of muscle stem cells and synthesis of new muscle cells.
- Increased muscle mitochondria production.
- Increased neuronal (nerve) mitochondria.
- Decreased biomarkers for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- Anti-aging due to reduced shortening of telomeres (end caps) on your chromosomal DNA. (Telomeres shorten with factors such as smoking, obesity, and toxin exposure).
- Improved muscle tone.
- Increased athletic speed and performance.
- Increased sexual libido.
- Improved metabolism and increased energy levels.
- Anti-aging features such as firmer skin and fewer wrinkles.
- Improved aerobic capacity.
- Weight loss.
I can tell you first hand the differences I have experienced with HIIT. My workouts are much faster, I spend only 4 minutes total of hard exercise (although they are the most grueling 4 minutes). I have had significant weight loss, especially at my waist which is important because waist diameter is an important indicator of future health and disease risk. I can run 3 miles, no problem, up and down hills. My aerobic capacity has improved even without aerobically training. I have improved energy levels and drive. My blood pressure is 116/66 mmHg. My pulse rate is 66 beats/minute resting. I have reached my maximum heart rate for my age at 173 beats/minute while training. I have never felt better than I do now since grade school. I do want to relay to all of you, however, that I did have a cardiac stress test first to determine my heart’s ability to withstand the stress of HIIT. I also have had mild to moderate groin and hamstring strains from sprinting. So, please be careful and use good sense for your health. Enjoy HIIT and the benefits of increased HGH.