Tag: HIIT
Best 12-Week Bodyweight Training Plan To Build Muscle Mass and Lose Fat
Most people relate body transformations with high-end training facilities, the latest machines, and jacked trainers. Although these things can add to your workout experience, they aren’t necessary for carving your dream physique. Most people never start their fitness journey because they cannot make the time to hit the gym. Others fall off the bandwagon because […]
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The Summer Beach Workout to Get You Jacked
Most people head to the beach to laze around, take an easy dip and work on their suntan. But you’re not like most people. You’re an athlete, and you know that the beach offers the ideal venue for a kick-ass workout. For one thing, training on the sand is a lot easier on your joints than working out on the gym floor.
It also burns more calories because you need to work harder to take a step forward when the surface beneath your feet constantly shifts. Throw in the added elements of the sun’s rays and the awesome scenery, and it’s no wonder that summer beach workouts are a trending fitness innovation.
This article lays out a challenging beach workout to get you jacked for summer.
Beach Workout Benefits
There has been some interesting research on the benefits of working out on the beach. More precisely, those benefits come from the surface beneath your feet when you exercise in front of the waves — sand.
A 2014 study by Binnie et al. found that, when compared with grass, exercising on sand offered a higher energy cost (meaning greater calorie burn). The low-impact forces experienced on sand also limited muscle damage and muscle soreness. This study was mainly focused on team sports and strongly recommended that teams introduce sand training to the workout protocols. [1]
A 2020 study found that sand workouts added the benefit of being more functional than those done on a hard surface. In this study, 120 elderly subjects were divided into three groups of 40 to perform Thai dance workouts for fifty minutes per day, three times per week for six. The difference was the training surface. One group trained on a hard surface, another on a soft surface, and the third worked out on sand.
All three groups showed functional outcome improvements. However, the sand group’s functional movement improvements were significantly greater than the other two groups. [2]
Another 2020 study looked at the effects of walking on sand in terms of body mass index, waist circumference, and overall quality of life in people who are obese. Over a study period of 16 weeks, a sand walking group was compared to a control group that walked on a hard surface. The researchers found that sand walking was reported to be more enjoyable and more challenging than working on a hard surface. The reduction in BMI and waist circumference reduction was also more significant in the sand walking group. Perhaps most significantly of all, the joint reaction force was much less in the sand walking group. [3]
Other research has focused on the general benefits of working out outdoors. A 2022 study by Wicks, et al. found that ‘physical activity undertaken outdoors in natural environments is more beneficial for a range of psychological outcomes than urban environments’. [4]
Beach Workout Structure
As a personal trainer, I’ve used the beach as a workout venue for decades. I just live 10 minutes away from one of the world’s most stunning beaches — Mount Maunganui in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, so it would almost be a crime not to use it. I especially love putting my advanced and elite athletes through a sand workout. The workout I’m about to lay out here is pretty intense, so be warned. However, it can also be modified for less experienced trainers.
The workout follows a high-intensity interval structure combined with circuit training. That means you’ll be doing plenty of intense bouts of work, followed by short rest periods. Rather than the traditional multi-set method of doing an exercise, you will also follow a sequence of exercises where you do a single set of each move to complete a round. You then get two minutes of recovery before repeating the round.
Best Beach Exercises
This HIIT Circuit beach workout consists of 11 exercises done back to back. They’ve been selected to provide an ideal balance of full-body muscle activation, functional fitness, and cardiovascular challenge. Here’s an overview of the exercise you’ll do:
1. Shoulder Tap Push-Up
The shoulder tap push-up is an advanced version of the regular push-up that targets your delts and pecs. Doing the exercise on the shifting sand surface adds an extra element of intensity.
Get down in the top push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Your feet should be together, and your body should form a straight line from the head to the ankle. Do not lift your butt.
Bend your elbows until your chest touches the sand.
Explode back to the start position.
Bring your right hand up to tap your left shoulder.
On the next rep, tap your left hand on your right shoulder.
2. Squat Jump + Pulse
This squat variation adds a pulsing movement in the bottom squat to put the focus on the adductors. The jump that ends each rep also makes this a cardio exercise.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Clasp your hands together in front of your chin.
From this starting position, descend into a parallel squat position.
In this position, pulse your thighs apart twice and then jump directly into the air. That is one rep.
3. V-Up
The V-Up is an effective ab-isolator that works the upper abdominals to produce an extremely satisfying mid-section burn.
Lie on an exercise mat on your back with your legs extended and arms by your side.
Hinge at your hips to bring your straightened legs up until they are perpendicular to your torso.
Straighten your arms up toward your legs.
Begin pulsing up toward your toes by contracting your abdominals. Bring your head up on each pulse.
4. Sumo Squat to High Knees
This squat variation works the outer thighs and hamstrings and even hits the obliques as you drive your knee to the opposite elbow.
Stand with feet about a foot wider than shoulder-width apart, and toes pointed slightly outward. Clasp your hands in front of your chin.
Hinge at the hips to descend into a full squat.
As you come out of the squat, lift your right knee to touch the corresponding elbow.
On the next rep, lift the left knee.
5. Superman
The Superman does a great job of targeting your erector spinae muscles.
Lie face down on an exercise mat with your body in an arched position so that your arms and feet are extended off the ground.
Arch up to full extension to raise your arms and feet as high as possible.
Lower and repeat.
6. Crab Walk
The crab walk is a functional compound movement that engages the triceps, deltoids, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and abdominals. This is also an effective move to increase hip mobility.
Get down on the floor on your butt and assume a tabletop position with your hands at your slides and fingers pointing away from your body. Your hands should be stacked below your shoulders and your feet below your knees.
Keep your core up, and walk your right hand and left foot forward. Repeat with the opposite sides to continue the movement.
7. Burpees
The burpee is another functional compound movement that works nearly every muscle in your body. At the same time, it provides an effective cardio workout to churn through the calories.
Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lower yourself into a squat and place your hands on the ground before you.
Quickly jump your feet back into a plank position, keeping your core engaged and your back straight.
Lower your chest down to the ground for a push-up.
Push yourself back up to the plank position.
Jump your feet back towards your hands, landing in the squat position.
Quickly jump up as high as you can, extending your arms overhead.
Land softly in the starting position and repeat steps 2-7 continuously.
8. Plank Jacks
The plank jack is a core-centric exercise that will strengthen your abdominal wall. By incorporating the ‘jack’ component of the exercise, it also becomes a cardio movement.
Get down on all fours in a basic plank position. The points of contact should be your forearms and your toes, and your feet should be together.
Kick your feet apart as wide as possible.
Kick your feet back in together.
Repeat this action in a smooth, continuous manner.
9. Sprints
Sprinting on sand is much more challenging than on a hard surface like grass. That’s because sand represents an unstable surface, meaning you can’t get the firmness and grip you take for granted on a hard surface. There’s also more friction between your feet and the ground, so you must generate more force and energy to advance. Your glutes, calves, and hamstrings all have to work harder when you are running at the beach.
Set a marker 10 yards away.
Begin in the traditional runner’s stance, with your lead foot slightly in front of the other, weight evenly distributed, and knees slightly bent.
Drive off the front leg by pushing into the sand.
Propel yourself forward with explosive, long strides, driving your arms to provide extra momentum.
Sprint to the marker, pivot, and return to your start position.
10. Tuck Jumps
The tuck jump is a demanding cardio exercise. This is a classic plyometric move that will get your pulse racing. Doing it on sand significantly reduces the joint impact of this exercise.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands spread at chest level with palms down.
Hinge at the hips to lower into a quarter squat, then explode off the floor.
Bring your knees up to touch your palms in mid-flight.
When you land, go directly into the next tuck jump.
11. Bear Crawls
The bear crawl is a functional move that increases agility, proprioception, and strength, especially in the deltoids and core.
Get down on all fours. With your hands stacked under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
Simultaneously bring your right arm and left leg forward, planting them on the ground.
Repeat with the left arm and right leg. This is one rep.
Putting It All Together
The key to the effectiveness of this beach workout isn’t just the exercises but how they are woven together to produce a challenging butt-kicker of a workout. As with every workout, you need to begin with a proper warm-up.
The Warm-Up
Your beach workout warm-up should consist of both an aerobic and an anaerobic component. For the anaerobic part, your goal is to warm up your muscles for work. You can do this with these five dynamic stretches:
Bodyweight Squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands clasped together in front of your chest.
Looking directly ahead, hinge at the hips to drop to a parallel squat position. Be sure to keep your lower back naturally arched.
Now push through your heels to return to the start position.
Arm Circles
Stand with your arms by your sides and rotate them together in windmill fashion to make large circles.
Do not bend your arms, with the motion occurring at the shoulder joint.
Chest In & Out
Stand with your arms outstretched at your sides, elbows slightly bent.
Bring your arms in to ‘hug’ your chest. Feel for a contraction of the chest.
Now extend the arms back out to stretch the pectorals and the latissimus dorsi.
Cat-Cow Stretch
Get down on all fours, with hands and knees on the floor. Keep your lower back in a naturally arched position.
Look directly ahead as you sink your belly toward the floor and arch your torso downward.
Reverse the motion to come back up, rounding your back as you do so. As you do so, tuck in your tailbone and suck in your stomach.
The Summer Beach Workout
Follow this workout for a jacked physique:
Cooldown
Performing static stretching after your workout will help you cool down and recover from your session. Research indicates that static stretching will increase blood flow to the muscles, allowing for a greater supply of nutrients and oxygen to speed recovery and regrowth. Static stretching also helps the central nervous system calm down after the workout.
Here are six effective static stretches to conclude your beach workout:
Lunging Hip Flexor Stretch
Kneel on your right knee with your hands on your hips. Your left knee should be bent with that foot flat on the ground.
Lean forward to stretch the right hip flexor.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
Repeat on the other side.
Hamstring Stretch
Keeping your chest lifted and your stomach taut, take a step forward with your left leg, keeping the knee straight.
Bend your right knee and lean forward from the hips, lowering your chest towards your right thigh.
When you feel the pull behind your thigh and knee of the straight leg, hold for 15 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.
Repeat this stretch five times on each leg. Read more on hamstring stretches.
Overhead Stretch
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, your back straight, and your head in line with your spine.
Lift your arms above your head as far as possible with your palms touching.
Hold for five seconds.
To extend this stretch further, ease your arms back slightly.
Repeat this stretch five times on each leg.
Standing Calf Stretch
Stand facing a wall and place your palms on it in line with your chest.
Step your right leg back so that it is fully extended with your left knee slightly bent.
Lean forward, keeping your back foot completely on the floor. You should feel the stretch through your calf muscle. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, then repeat on the other leg.
Repeat this stretch five times on each leg.
Arm Stretch
Stand with your arms at your sides, your stomach pulled in, your chest expanded, and your spine in a neutral position (not rounded).
Clasp your hands behind your back and slowly lift your arms up, keeping your elbows straight. Hold for five seconds.
Repeat this stretch five times.
Triceps Stretch
Stand in a neutral position with your arms at your sides.
Place your left hand behind your back so that your palm sits between your shoulder blades and your elbow points upward.
Bring your right hand up behind your back and try to join hands.
Hold for a count of five, then repeat with the other arm.
Repeat this stretch five times. Read more triceps stretches.
Wrap Up
This summer beach workout is going to challenge every fiber of your being. It is not for beginners, but it can be modified to make it easier. If you’ve been training for less than 18 months, cut the reps to eight on each exercise and bring the sprint marker back to 5 yards.
Advanced athletes should aim to complete three rounds of this workout. Limit yourself to two minutes of recovery between rounds but be sure to drink plenty of water so you don’t dehydrate. Finally, I recommend keeping this beach workout as your weekend challenge, sticking to your regular gym workouts throughout the week.
References
Binnie MJ, Dawson B, Pinnington H, Landers G, Peeling P. Sand training: a review of current research and practical applications. J Sports Sci. 2014;32(1):8-15. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2013.805239. Epub 2013 Aug 22. PMID: 23968257.
Kaewjoho C, Thaweewannakij T, Mato L, Nakmaroeng S, Phadungkit S, Amatachaya S. Effects of Exercises on a Hard, Soft, and Sand Surface on Functional Outcomes of Community-Dwelling Older Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Aging Phys Act. 2020 Jun 2:1-8. doi: 10.1123/japa.2019-0246. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32485663.
Seyam M, Kashoo F, Alqahtani M, Alzhrani M, Aldhafiri F, Ahmad M. Effect of Walking on Sand with Dietary Intervention in OverweightType 2 DiabetesMellitusPatients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Sep 29;8(4):370. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8040370. PMID: 33003313; PMCID: PMC7712869.
Wicks C, Barton J, Orbell S, Andrews L. Psychological benefits of outdoor physical activity in natural versus urban environments: A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2022 Aug;14(3):1037-1061. doi: 10.1111/aphw.12353. Epub 2022 Mar 8. PMID: 35259287; PMCID: PMC9544808.
10 Best Core Exercises For Beginners (Killer Workout Included)
Core exercises are like a tough-love friend; they push you to be your best self even though you sometimes hate them for it. You might grumble and groan through the workout and even experience an ab cramp during one of those dreaded crunches, but in the end, you can’t help but love the results they bring.
Besides improving your physique aesthetics, core exercises can help improve your overall strength, balance, and stability, which can boost your performance in functional exercises and daily activities.
Contrary to what most people think, all core exercises are not the same. Some core exercises are more complex than others. For example, the front lever, back lever, L-sits, and toes-to-bar are best left to advanced lifters.
Before you move on to advanced core exercises, you must build a solid foundation by drilling the more basic movements. The best core exercises for beginners are versatile exercises that can be included in various training regimens and programmed according to your goals.
In this article, we cover the best core exercises for beginners, an ab workout that will help you achieve a ripped six-pack, tips for making the most of your training regimen, and the benefits of training your core.
What are Core Exercises?
Whether you want to perform a crunch, handstand, deadlift, or clean and jerk, you need a solid core. In contrast to the prevailing view, your ‘core’ isn’t limited to your abdominal muscles. It also includes your lower back, hips, and pelvis. Since your core includes multiple muscles, you must perform different exercises in your core workout to train the target muscles from several angles for optimal results.
The exercises in this article help boost the strength, stability, and flexibility of the core muscles, which are essential for proper body mechanics, balance, and posture.
Core exercises can be done in all three planes of movement:
Frontal Plane: Dumbbell side bend and hyperextension oblique crunch
Saggital Plane: Crunch and hanging leg raise
Transverse Plane: Russian twist and windshield wiper
We will include exercises in all three planes to ensure overall core development. To make the core workout for beginners more accessible, we have only included bodyweight exercises. It also allows you to perform them anywhere.
10 Best Core Exercises For Beginners
These are the most effective core exercises for beginners:
Plank
The plank is one of the most popular core exercises. It is an isometric exercise that allows for optimal muscle contraction without visible movement. This exercise is a must-have in every ab training regimen.
Steps:
Lie face-down on the floor.
Your body should be in a straight line from head to heels throughout the exercise.
Position your elbows under your shoulders and your forearms parallel to each other.
Get up on your toes.
Hold this position for the recommended time while contracting your glutes and abs.
Pro Tip: You could also perform a high plank variation of this exercise, which is considered more challenging. The high plank variation involves staying in a push-up position.
Check out our complete plank guide here!
Side Plank
Obliques are often overlooked in an ab workout; however, we are not leaving any stone unturned in this article. The side planks are a frontal plane exercise that will work your obliques and the rectus abdominis muscle.
Steps:
Lie on your left side on an exercise mat.
Your legs should be stacked, and your right arm should rest on your side.
Plant your left elbow under your shoulder.
Brace your core and glute and drive your left elbow into the floor to lift your hips off the floor. Your body, from head to toe, should be in a straight line.
Hold this position for the recommended time.
Repeat on the other side.
Pro Tip: Make the exercise harder by performing hip dips while holding the plank. Ensure that you keep your shoulders pulled back and down throughout the exercise.
Check out our complete side plank guide here!
Sit-Up
The sit-up is a staple in most ab training workouts. It works your rectus abdominis muscle with a focus on the upper abs.
Steps:
Lie supine on the floor with your knees bent and feet planted flat on the floor.
Hold your hands in front of your chest or at the sides of your head.
Lift your upper back off the floor by driving your lower back and hips into the floor.
Your torso should be a few inches away from your quads at the top.
Slowly lower to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Avoid interlacing your fingers behind your head, as it can strain your neck. Keep your reps slow and controlled, and avoid using momentum during the concentric (upward) motion.
Reverse Crunch
The reverse crunch is an incredibly effective exercise for the more stubborn lower abs. It might look easy, but it will smoke your core in no time.
Steps:
Lie on your back on the floor. Bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor.
Extend your arms at your sides.
Lift your feet off the floor and bring your thighs to your chest.
Pause and contract your abs.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for reps.
Pro Tip: Extend your legs at the bottom of the movement to bump up the intensity of this exercise.
Check out our complete reverse crunch guide here!
Dead Bug
The dead bug is one of the best core exercises for beginners. Getting into the dead bug is easy, and it helps achieve optimal core activation.
Steps:
Lie flat on the floor while facing the ceiling.
Extend your arms so they are perpendicular to your torso.
Lift your legs off the floor; your legs should be at a 90-degree angle.
Slowly extend your right arm overhead while extending your left leg. At the bottom of the movement, both should be a few inches from hitting the floor.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat on the other side.
Alternate between sides for the recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Make the exercise harder by using ankle weights and dumbbells. You could perform this exercise for reps or time.
Check out our complete dead bug guide here!
Hollow Hold
The hollow hold is a variation of the dead bug. It is excellent for building a rock-solid core, which will translate to better performance in functional movements. The hollow hold is one of the best core exercises for CrossFit beginners.
Steps:
Lie face up on the floor with your body in a straight line from head to toe.
Extend your arm overhead.
Brace your core and glute, and lift your head, upper back, and arms off the floor. Your arms should be at a 45-degree angle with the floor.
Simultaneously, lift your legs until your body resembles a “V.”
Hold this position for as long as possible.
Pro Tip: Holding your hands together makes the exercise a little easier. On the flip side, you can hold onto dumbbells or a weight plate to make it harder.
Check out our complete hollow hold guide here!
Superman
The Superman exercise is the mirror opposite of the hollow hold. This exercise targets your lower back and glutes and can help improve your mobility.
Steps:
Lie face down on the floor with your arms extended overhead.
Lift your head and chest off the floor so that your arms are a few inches off the floor.
Contract your core, glutes, and lower back, and lift your knees and thighs off the floor.
Hold the position for as long as possible.
Pro Tip: Maintain a neutral head throughout the exercise to avoid straining your neck. Lift your arms and legs as high as possible.
Check out our complete Superman guide here!
Russian Twist
The Russian twist works your core in the transverse plane. It will help develop your obliques and six-pack. After mastering the movement, hold onto a kettlebell, dumbbell, or weight plate for better muscle stimulation.
Steps:
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
Lean back so your torso forms a 45-degree angle with the floor, and lift your feet off the floor.
Extend your arms straight in front of you. Your palms should be over your knees.
Keeping your pelvis stable, turn to your right side.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat on the left side.
Pro Tip: Perform this exercise on a decline bench for greater core engagement. Adjust the angle of the bench according to your experience level.
Check out our complete Russian Twist guide here!
Lying Leg Raise
This exercise works your middle and lower abs. Keep your knees locked out and pull your toes toward your torso while performing the lying leg raise for optimal lower ab engagement.
Steps:
Lie face up on the floor with your body in a straight line.
Keeping your knees locked, lift your legs toward the ceiling until they are perpendicular to the floor.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for reps.
Pro Tip: Place your hands under your hips for leverage. You could also perform this exercise on an elevated platform like a flat bench for an extended range of motion.
Check out our complete lying leg raise guide here!
Heel Tap
Think of heel taps as crunches for your obliques. Maintain a constant rep tempo on this exercise for optimal midriff engagement.
Steps:
Lie supine on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
Your heels should be next to your hips.
Extend your arms at your sides.
Lift your shoulders, upper back, and head off the floor.
Turn to your right side and touch the side of your foot.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat on your left side.
Alternate between sides for recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Increase the distance between your hips and heels as you get better at this exercise. You could also aim for touching your toes instead of the side of your feet.
Check out our complete heel tap guide here!
Best Core Workout For Beginners
Now that you know about the best core exercises for beginners, it is time to put the knowledge to work. We have programmed these 10 beginner-friendly core exercises into a HIIT workout, which can be completed within 15 minutes.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are incredibly effective at annihilating your midsection quickly and helping you achieve washboard abs.
In this workout, you’ll perform each exercise for 60 seconds. You are allowed a 30-second rest between exercises. Feel free to take a small breather (1-5 seconds) if you are unable to perform an exercise unbroken.
Tips To Maximize Core Workout Results
Here are a few tips to get the best bang for your buck from your core workouts:
If your goal is to build a diced midsection, you must also focus on your diet. Furthermore, you must enter a calorie deficit to shed excess body fat.
As you get better at these exercises, you can make them more challenging by adding resistance using weight plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands.
Breathing plays a vital role during core workouts. You must exhale sharply during the concentric part of the motion to achieve optimal core activation. Breathe in as you return to the starting position.
Spend 5-10 minutes warming up your core with light dynamic and static stretches to reduce the risk of muscle cramps.
It is common to experience ab cramps (especially for beginners) during ab workouts. Spend 5-10 seconds between sets rubbing down your abs to reduce the risk of cramping.
Benefits of Core Exercises For Beginners
Given below are the advantages of adding core exercises to your training regimen:
Aesthetics
Who are we kidding? Most people do the borning crunches because of the aesthetic benefits attached to them. A chiseled midsection makes you stand out and is one of the best indicators of physical fitness.
Improve Functionality
Most compound exercises like the squat, bench press, deadlift, and Olympic lifts require a strong core. Doing core exercises can improve your performance in the gym and daily activities. [1]
Boost Balance, Stability, and Flexibility
Core exercises can improve your balance, stability, and flexibility as it works your midsection, lower back, hips, and pelvis. Perform core exercises regularly for at least 12 weeks to start noticing the difference. [2]
Improves Posture and Reduces the Risk of Lower Back Pain
Folks that spend most of their days hunched over a computer or phone are at a higher risk of developing poor posture and lower back pain. Performing core exercises can strengthen your spine-supporting muscles, which can help improve your posture and lower the risk of lower back pain and injury during training.
Do Not Require Any Equipment
All the best core exercises for beginners in this article are bodyweight movements that can be done anywhere at your convenience. Plus, core exercises are incredibly versatile and can be squeezed into any workout.
Wrapping Up
Adding core workouts into your training regimen helps you achieve more than a carved midsection. It improves your balance and stability, boosts your overall functionality, promotes a better posture, and reduces your risk of lower back pain and injury.
This article covers the 10 best core exercises for beginners. Follow the 15-minute HIIT workout detailed above to set your midriff on fire in a short period. Pair these exercises and workout with a robust diet and recovery program to achieve a diced six-pack. Best of luck!
More Core Exercises and Workouts:
References
Okada, Tomoko; Huxel, Kellie C; Nesser, Thomas W. Relationship Between Core Stability, Functional Movement, and Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 25(1):p 252-261, January 2011. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b22b3e
Manjusha K, Nithya Narayanan Kutty, Shilpa Chandran. The Effectiveness of Core Strength Training to Improve Functional Mobility and Balance in Geriatric Population: A Literature Review. Ortho Res Online J. 9(1). OPROJ. 000701. 2021. DOI: 10.31031/OPROJ.2021.09.000701
The Best HIIT Ab Workout: Get Ripped Abs in Record Time
Most people perform a few ab exercises at the end of their strength training session. It’s no surprise they are nowhere close to their six-pack goal.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by brief periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. HIIT workouts for your abs are an incredibly effective method of trimming down your waistline and shedding the excess fat to reveal your abs.
HIIT ab workouts will increase your heart rate, help burn fat, and improve your overall fitness level in a shorter period than traditional cardio workouts. It makes these workouts the perfect fit for people with a busy schedule who cannot afford to spend 45-60 minutes in the gym.
In this HIIT ab workout, we will not only do the most intense abdominal exercises, but we will narrow down on the movements that will also increase your heart rate so that you are actively burning calories.
12 Best HIIT Ab Exercises
Add these ab movements to your exercise arsenal to build a cover photo-worthy six-pack:
High Knees
We will kick off the HIIT ab workout with high knees. It will warm up your abs and get your cardiovascular system going. Think of this exercise as a unilateral variation of the hanging knee-to-chest.
Steps:
Stand upright with a hip-width stance.
Hold your hands in front of your chest, palms facing down.
Lift your right foot off the floor and bring your thigh as close to your chest as possible. Simultaneously, lift your left heel off the floor so that your left toes are the only point of contact with the floor.
Return your right foot to the ground.
Immediately repeat on the left side.
Alternate between sides for the recommended time.
Speed up the exercise to bump up your training intensity. Both your feet should be off the floor during the leg transition.
Pro Tip: You want to keep your core braced throughout this exercise for optimal midsection stimulation.
Check out our detailed high knee exercise guide!
Mountain Climber
The mountain climber is a high knee variation; however, it places more tension on your core as you perform it in a high plank position. Perform this exercise for long enough, and it will also tax your shoulders and pectoral muscles.
Steps:
Start in a high plank position. Your hands should be under your shoulders and your body, from head to heels, in a straight line.
Brace your core muscles, bend your right knee, and bring it toward your chest.
Return it to the starting position.
Alternate between sides for the recommended time.
Start slow and increase the tempo while maintaining your form.
Both your feet should be off the floor during the leg transition.
Pro Tip: Avoid forming a bridge with your hips or letting them drop during the exercise, as it removes tension from your core and puts in on your lower back.
Check out our detailed mountain climber exercise guide!
Flutter Kick
The flutter kick is an often overlooked exercise in most ab workouts. However, it is an excellent movement to target the more stubborn lower abs.
Steps:
Lie on your back on the floor. Your body should be in a straight line from head to heels, and your legs should be placed together.
Place your hands under your hips for leverage.
Raise your legs and head off the floor. Keep your core braced throughout the exercise.
Lift your right leg as high as possible while keeping your left leg in place.
Return the right leg to the starting position while raising your left leg toward the ceiling.
Alternate between sides for the recommended time.
Pro Tip: Ensure your back is placed flat against the floor throughout the exercise. Arching your back will result in hip flexor stimulation and put unnecessary strain on your spine.
Check out our detailed flutter kick exercise guide!
Sit-Up
The sit-up is a staple in most ab training routines. However, you’ll be performing this exercise with high intensity in the HIIT ab workout to fire up your midsection.
Steps:
Lie supine on the floor. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.
Hold your hands next to your ears throughout the exercise.
Take a deep breath and lift your torso off the floor by contracting your abs.
Your torso should be perpendicular to the floor at the top of the motion. Exhale sharply and squeeze your abs.
Slowly lower to the start position.
Pro Tip: Avoid interlacing your fingers behind your head as it can sprain your neck during the concentric motion. Alternatively, hold your hands in front of your chest during the exercise.
Lying Leg Raise
The lying leg raise is one of those exercises that look super easy but will smoke your abs in no time. You must keep your legs straight for optimal lower ab engagement.
Steps:
Lie with your back on the floor. Your body should be in a straight line.
Place your hands under your hips for leverage.
Lift your legs off the floor so your heels are a few inches off the ground. This will be your starting position.
Raise your legs as high as possible while driving your lower back into the floor.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended time.
Pro Tip: Perform this exercise on an elevated surface, such as a flat bench, for an extended range of motion.
Check out our detailed lying leg raise exercise guide!
Bicycle Crunch
The bicycle crunch is an incredibly effective exercise that works your entire core, including your obliques and rectus abdominous.
Steps:
Lie supine on the floor.
Place your hands at the sides of your ears.
Lift your legs off the floor so your ankles are a few inches off the floor.
Bend your right knee, and bring it as close to your chest as possible.
Simultaneously, perform a cross-body crunch and touch your right knee with your left elbow.
Return to the start position.
Alternate between sides for the recommended time.
Pro Tip: Exhale sharply and contract your abs at the static contraction point at the top for optimal ab stimulation.
Check out our detailed bicycle crunch exercise guide!
Alternating Jackknife
This full-body exercise can help improve your flexibility and posture, besides giving you a shredded midsection.
Steps:
Lie with your back on the floor.
Extend your arms overhead.
Lift your right leg off the floor as high as possible. Simultaneously, lift your torso off the ground and bring your arms toward your toes in a sweeping motion.
Return to the starting position.
Alternate between sides for the recommended time.
Pro Tip: Feel free to bend your knees if you cannot touch your toes with straight legs.
Check out our detailed jackknife exercise guide!
Plank Jack
The plank jack will help you develop explosive lower body strength and a robust core. It involves jumping your feet out to the sides while holding a plank.
Steps:
Assume a high plank position. Your hands should be under your shoulders and legs together and extended behind you.
Brace your core and jump both feet out wide to each side as if you were doing a horizontal jumping jack.
Jump back to the starting position.
Rinse and repeat.
Pro Tip: Keep your shoulder blades pulled back and down throughout the exercise and actively push into the floor with your hands to maintain balance.
Side Plank Dip
This oblique exercise requires decent core strength to perform with a full range of motion.
Steps:
Lie on your side on the floor. Your legs should be stacked.
Place your elbow under your shoulder. Your forearm should be placed on the floor perpendicular to your body for balance.
Place your top arm on your side.
Lift your hips off the floor. Your body should be in a straight line.
Lower your hips toward the floor until they are a few inches off the ground.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended time.
Switch sides.
Pro Tip: Lift your top arm toward the ceiling so it is perpendicular to the floor to take some weight off your core and make the exercise a little easier.
Wood Chopper
Although you could perform this exercise without additional resistance, we recommend using a light dumbbell for optimal core stimulation.
Steps:
Stand upright with a hip-width stance.
Hold a dumbbell with both hands.
Twist your torso to the right side and lift the weight up and across your body with straight arms.
Lower the dumbbell across your body toward the floor. Bend your knees slightly during the lowering motion.
Repeat for the recommended time before switching sides.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes fixed on the dumbbell throughout the exercise.
Check out our detailed wood chopper exercise guide!
Floor Wiper
The floor wiper is one of the most challenging exercises in this workout. Beginners can substitute this exercise with the floor windshield wiper until they develop the required core strength to perform this movement with a full range of motion.
Steps:
Lie on your back on the floor.
Extend your arms on your sides and place your hands on the floor for stability.
Lift your legs off the floor so your heels are a few inches from the ground.
Contract your core and bring your feet as close to your left hand as possible in a sweeping motion while keeping your legs straight.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat on the right side.
Alternate between sides for the recommended time.
Pro Tip: As you gain more experience, hold a barbell over your chest for upper-body engagement during this exercise.
Check out our detailed floor wiper exercise guide!
Hollow Hold
The last exercise of the HIIT ab workout takes the intensity down a notch. However, this isometric exercise will leave you with a sore midsection.
Steps:
Lie on your back on the floor. Extend your arms overhead.
Lift your legs, arms, and head off the floor as high toward the ceiling as possible.
Your body should resemble a “V” during the isometric hold.
Keep your core contracted throughout the exercise.
Hold this position for the recommended time.
Pro Tip: Interlacing your fingers while holding the hollow hold position will make the exercise a little easier. However, this technique should only be used by beginners.
Check out our detailed hollow hold exercise guide!
HIIT Ab Workout For a Shredded Midriff
Now that you know the best exercise for a HIIT ab workout, it is time to put them to work. Perform two rounds of the HIIT ab workout circuit given below. Do each exercise for 40 seconds. You are allowed a 20-second rest after completing each exercise to catch your breath. Plus, rest for two minutes before starting the second round. Complete this HIIT workout within 25 minutes.
Exercise
Time (in seconds)
Rest (in seconds)
High Knees
40
20
Mountain Climber
40
20
Flutter Kick
40
20
Sit-Up
40
20
Lying Leg Raise
40
20
Bicycle Crunch
40
20
Alternating Jackknife
40
20
Plank Jack
40
20
Side Plank Dip
30 (each side)
20
Wood Chopper
30 (each side)
20
Floor Wiper
40
20
Hollow Hold
40
120
Perform the side plank dip and wood chopper for 30 seconds on each side. Transition to the other side without stopping for rest. You can rest for 20 seconds after doing these exercises for 60 seconds.
Benefits of HIIT Ab Workout
Adding a HIIT ab workout to your training regimen entails the following advantages:
Helps Target the Midriff and Burn More Calories
Studies show that HIIT workouts are more effective than conventional strength training workouts at burning calories, which can help you shed excess fat. Furthermore, the exercises in this HIIT ab workout will target your midsection, helping you achieve a toned midriff [1]. A study also found that HIIT workouts can help reduce body fat and waist circumference. [2]
Improves Endurance and Stamina
HIIT workouts can improve performance in both anaerobic and aerobic activities [3]. Performing the HIIT ab workout detailed in this article for 12 weeks will help improve your endurance and stamina.
Quick and Impactful
HIIT workouts are usually shorter than conventional weight training sessions as you perform each exercise for a specific length of time and rest for a short period between exercises. This training method is excellent for folks with a packed schedule.
Reduce The Risk of Lower Back Pain and Injury
Training your abs will also strengthen your lower back, reducing the risk of lower back pain and limiting the chances of injury while performing compound exercises, such as the deadlift, squat, and good mornings.
FAQs
Are HIIT workouts better than conventional ab workouts for building a six-pack?It depends on your current physique and training objectives. HIIT workouts should be favored over the conventional strength training style ab workouts if you need to burn fat while toning your abs. However, if you have a decent body fat percentage, the strength training ab workouts will help you achieve better results and a carved six-pack.
How often should I do the HIIT ab workout?Since this is a relatively long and intense HIIT ab workout, you should avoid doing it more than twice weekly. Also, you must space them out so that you have 48 hours to recover between your ab workouts.
Can HIIT ab workout help spot reduce body fat?HIIT workouts cannot help you spot reduce body fat. However, since this is an ab workout, it will help you tone your abs. Plus, HIIT workouts help you burn calories and lose overall body fat, which can reduce abdominal fat over time.
Wrapping Up
The 12 HIIT ab exercises and kickass workout detailed in this article will help you achieve a strong, defined core. This workout will be challenging, so be prepared to push yourself to the limit. Also, you must back up this HIIT ab workout with a balanced diet and recovery program to achieve your dream midsection.
This HIIT ab workout will improve your abdominal strength and definition and also boost your overall fitness level and energy. Keep your training intensity high and focus on your breathing to make the most of this workout. Best of luck!
References
Falcone PH, Tai CY, Carson LR, Joy JM, Mosman MM, McCann TR, Crona KP, Kim MP, Moon JR. Caloric expenditure of aerobic, resistance, or combined high-intensity interval training using a hydraulic resistance system in healthy men. J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Mar;29(3):779-85. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000661. PMID: 25162652.
Wewege M, van den Berg R, Ward RE, Keech A. The effects of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2017 Jun;18(6):635-646. doi: 10.1111/obr.12532. Epub 2017 Apr 11. PMID: 28401638.
Ouerghi N, Fradj MKB, Bezrati I, Khammassi M, Feki M, Kaabachi N, Bouassida A. Effects of high-intensity interval training on body composition, aerobic and anaerobic performance and plasma lipids in overweight/obese and normal-weight young men. Biol Sport. 2017 Dec;34(4):385-392. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2017.69827. Epub 2017 Sep 20. PMID: 29472742; PMCID: PMC5819474.
Cable HIIT Workout for Burning Fat and Boosting Cardiovascular Health
HIIT workouts have risen in popularity in recent years because they enable you to get a lot of work done in a short period. This versatile training protocol can be programmed to promote muscle growth, lose fat, or boost your cardiovascular health.
However, most HIIT workouts repel exercisers as they involve multiple pieces of equipment in a single workout and try to do too much too soon. Plus, most HIIT workouts ignore cables, one of the most convenient and effective strength training tools.
In this article, we have fixed everything wrong with HIIT workouts. We have put together a cable HIIT workout that will help kickstart your fat-burning process, boost your cardiovascular health, and promote overall fitness.
What are HIIT Workouts?
A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. These workouts focus on maximizing calorie expenditure, improving cardiovascular health, and increasing muscular endurance.
HIIT workouts include different types of exercises, such as cardiovascular, strength training, bodyweight, plyometric, and balance and stability movements. Plus, they can be done with a variety of equipment like dumbbells, barbells, machines, plyo boxes, etc., or no equipment at all. The possibilities of what can be accomplished in a HIIT workout are endless, limited only by your own imagination.
For the scope of this article, we’ll focus on cable HIIT workouts for burning fat and boosting cardiovascular strength.
The most popular cable exercises are isolation (single-joint) movements. However, to maximize your workout’s fat-burning potential, you must perform compound (multi-joint) exercises. Several exercises in this workout will combine upper-body and lower-body movements to spike your heart rate, helping you burn more calories.
Most HIIT workouts include plyometric exercises, such as box jumps or jumping jacks; however, since we’ll be using a cable machine for this workout, we’ll stay away from high-impact exercises to lower the risk of injury and make this workout more beginner-friendly and accessible.
In this article, we cover the best cable HIIT exercises, the most effective cable HIIT workout, its benefits, and tips to make the most of your training regimen. We have a lot to cover, so sit tight.
Cable HIIT Workout Exercises
Most exercises on this list are uncommon. Chances are, you’ve never heard of them before or seen someone do them. However, these movements will deliver a solid full-body workout and the desired fat-burning and cardiovascular health benefits. So without any further ado, here are the cable exercises that should be a part of your HIIT workouts:
Cable Squat To Biceps Curl
This full-body exercise will shoot up your heart rate. We recommend using a functional trainer instead of a conventional cable machine for this exercise.
Steps:
Adjust the pulleys of a functional trainer to the lowest position and attach D-handle bars to both ends.
Grab the D-handle bars in both hands using a supinated (palms facing up) grip, take a big step back, and assume a hip-width stance.
Keeping your elbows pinned, perform a biceps curl until your arms are at shoulder level.
Lower into a squat while pushing your hips back and down while extending your arms toward the pulley.
The weight should be engaged at the bottom of the movement.
Return to the standing position while curling the weight.
Repeat for recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Perform single-arm biceps curls to boost your workout’s volume and intensity.
Cable Reverse Lunge to Shoulder Press
Bigger quad sweeps and round shoulders can help you achieve the coveted ‘x-frame;’ this exercise kills two birds with one stone.
Steps
Set the cable pulleys of a functional trainer at the lowest position and attach D-handle bars.
Grab the handles with a pronated (palms facing away) grip and bring your hands to your shoulder level while facing away from the cable machine.
Take a big step forward and assume a shoulder-wide stance.
Step back with your left foot and lower yourself until your rear knee touches the floor.
Perform a shoulder press as you return to the standing position.
Repeat on the other side.
Alternate between sides for the recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Press your arms slightly in front of your body while performing the overhead press. Pressing straight overhead can throw you off balance.
Cable Low-To-High Wood Chopper
Most people overlook transverse plane exercises in their workouts. These movements can help build rotational and anti-rotational strength, improve stability, and help prevent lower back pain.
Steps
Position the cable pulley at the highest setting and attach a D-handle bar.
Stand with your right side facing the pulley.
Grab the handle with your right hand using a neutral grip and wrap your left hand around it.
Take a step away from the pulley.
Turn your torso toward the pulley while keeping your hips stable.
Keeping your arms extended, turn to your left side while bringing the D-handle to the outside of your left knee.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps before switching sides.
Pro Tip: Add variety to your training regimen by changing the position of the pulley and working your obliques from different angles.
Cable Forward Lunge To Shoulder Front Raise
Since cable HIIT workouts for fat-burning and cardiovascular health involve exercises that combine two exercises, it can help improve your hand-eye coordination.
Steps
Adjust the cable pulley to the lowest position and attach a D-handle bar.
Grab the bar with a pronated grip in your right hand, face away from the machine, and take a step forward.
As you step forward with your left foot and lower into a lunge, perform a front shoulder raise until your arm is parallel to the floor.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for desired reps before switching sides.
Pro Tip: Change your grip from pronated to supinated or neutral to train your anterior deltoids from different angles.
Cable Single-Arm Chest Press
HIIT workouts can be overwhelming. Most high-intensity training sessions include an exercise that is programmed in the middle of the workout and acts as a breather by lowering the training intensity, so you can catch your breath and give the remaining circuit all you’ve got. The cable single-arm chest press is that exercise in this training session.
Steps
Set the cable pulley at chest height and attach a D-handle bar.
Grab the bar with a pronated grip in your left hand and face away from the pulley.
Assume a staggered stance for balance.
Extend your arm in front of your torso so it is parallel to the floor. Pause and contract your chest.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps before switching sides.
Pro Tip: Rotate your torso toward the cable pulley at the bottom of the movement for optimal ab and oblique engagement.
Cable Crossover with Lunge
This exercise can take some time to master. You must keep an upright torso throughout the exercise for optimal pectoral engagement.
Steps
Set the cable pulley at waist height and attach D-handle bars.
Grab a D-handle in each hand using a neutral grip.
Take a step forward and assume a hip-width stance. Your hands should be at your chest side at the starting position.
Step forward with your right foot and lower into a lunge while performing a cable crossover.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat with the left foot.
Alternate between sides for recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Your wrists should be stacked at the bottom of the movement for optimal pectoral muscle stimulation.
Cable High Row with Reverse Lunge
Rowing exercises help build a thicker back, which can improve the overall aesthetics of your physique. Plus, combining rows with lunges will leave you gasping for breath in no time.
Steps
Adjust a cable pulley at the highest position and attach a D-handle bar.
Grab the bar with a neutral grip in your right hand, take a step back, and assume a hip-width stance.
The weight should be engaged in this position.
Step back with your left foot and lower into a lunge while pulling your right hand to the side of your chest by driving through your elbow.
Return to the starting position and repeat for recommended reps.
Switch sides.
Pro Tip: Feel free to switch between reverse and forward lunges, depending on which variation helps you achieve a better mind-muscle connection.
Plank Cable Row
Is a high-intensity interval training workout even HIIT if it doesn’t have a core exercise? We don’t think so. The plank row will set your core on fire and help you build a chiseled back.
Steps
Set up an exercise mat in front of a cable pulley machine.
Adjust the cable pulley to the lowest setting and attach a D-handle bar.
Get into a low plank position on the mat facing the pulley.
Take your right forearm off the floor, extend it overhead, and grab the handle with a neutral grip.
While keeping your shoulders square, pull your hand to your shoulder level while driving through your elbow.
Pause and contract your lat at the bottom of the movement.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps before switching sides.
Pro Tip: You could also face away from the cable pulley and turn the plank row into a plank shoulder press, which is an excellent exercise for folks having trouble maintaining balance during the plank row.
Cable Crunch To Biceps Curl
This exercise combines the lying cable crunch with the lying cable curl and will help build muscular strength and endurance in the target muscle groups.
Steps
Set the cable pulley to the lowest setting and attach a straight bar handle.
Lie supine (facing the ceiling) on the floor with your legs toward the cable pulley.
Grab the straight bar with an underhand grip. Your legs should be on either side of the cable.
Your body, from head to toe, should be in a straight line at the starting position. The weight should be engaged at the bottom of the movement.
While keeping your elbows pinned to your sides, curl the bar until it is over your chest.
While driving your hips into the floor, perform a situp.
Extend your arms.
Return your torso to the floor.
Repeat for recommended reps.
Pro Tip: Keep your core and glutes braced throughout the exercise for optimal ab engagement. Switch to an overhand grip for greater forearm recruitment.
Side Plank Cable Shoulder Front Raise
Obliques are one of the most overlooked muscle groups. However, we are not leaving any loose ends in this workout. This exercise will work your midsection and your front delts simultaneously.
Steps
Set the cable pulley at the lowest setting and attach a D-handle bar.
Grab the D-handle with a supinated grip in your left hand.
Plank on your right side in front of the pulley with your feet toward the machine.
While keeping your core and glutes braced, raise your arm in front of your body.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps before switching sides.
Pro Tip: Maintain a slight bend in your elbow throughout the exercise. However, make sure you’re not bending your elbows during the range of motion, as it will remove tension from your deltoids and put it on your biceps.
Cable HIIT Workout for Burning Fat and Boosting Cardiovascular Health
To burn fat during a HIIT workout, ensure you keep your training intensity high. Given below is a workout that includes exercises that will spike your heart rate, resulting in improved cardiovascular health.
Perform two rounds of this workout within 25 minutes. The table details the recommended time for each exercise. You are allowed a 15-second break after completing each exercise and a two-minute break after completing a round. Do not stop for rest while changing sides.
Exercise
Time (in seconds)
Cable Squat To Biceps Curl
30
Cable Reverse Lunge to Shoulder Press
30
Cable Low-To-High Wood Chopper
30 (each side)
Cable Forward Lunge To Shoulder Front Raise
30 (each side)
Cable Single-Arm Chest Press
30 (each side)
Cable Crossover with Lunge
30
Cable High Row with Reverse Lunge
30 (each side)
Plank Cable Row
30 (each side)
Cable Crunch To Biceps Curl
30
Side Plank Cable Shoulder Front Raise
30 (each side)
Benefits of Cable HIIT Workouts
Here are the advantages of adding cable HIIT workouts to your training regimen:
Improves Muscle Mass, Strength, Stability, and Mobility
The biggest USP of cable machines is that they help keep constant tension on your target muscles, which can boost hypertrophy. You must use a challenging weight in each exercise to promote muscle and strength gains. [1]
Furthermore, since the cable HIIT workout for burning fat and boosting cardiovascular health incorporates single-leg, pushing, pulling, bending over, and rotational exercises, it will help improve your stability, balance, and mobility.
Build Hand-Eye Coordination
Exercises like the wood chopper, reverse lunge to shoulder press, and cable crunch to biceps curl involves multiple muscle groups and movement patterns. Performing these exercises can improve your hand-eye coordination and mind-muscle connection. A better hand-eye coordination can also improve your balance.
Helps You Lose Fat
HIIT workouts ramp up your calorie-burning process. Furthermore, HIIT workouts can help keep your metabolic rate high for hours after a training session, resulting in higher calorie expenditure, even when you are physically inactive. [2][3]
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
HIIT workouts can improve your aerobic and anaerobic performance and boost your overall cardiovascular health. The cardiovascular benefits of HIIT training carry over to other forms of exercise and your daily activities. [4]
Quick and Beginner-Friendly
Unlike conventional HIIT workouts that require multiple training equipment, you could do this high-intensity workout with just a cable machine, making this workout more convenient. It also shortens the time it typically takes to switch between exercises.
Furthermore, cable exercises have a small learning curve, which makes it an excellent option for beginners. The selectorized weight mechanism makes changing weights between sets incredibly convenient.
Tips For Optimal Results From Cable HIIT Workout
Here are a few tips to get the best bang for your buck from the cable HIIT workout:
Spend 5-10 minutes warming up before each workout, as it can help prime your muscles, improve your mobility, and lower your risk of injury. Your warm-up routine should have a balance of static and dynamic exercises.
Your cable HIIT workout should not take more than 25 minutes. Shorten the set times if you cannot complete the recommended reps within the 25-minute time limit.
If you keep your training intensity high, you’ll end your HIIT cable workouts with muscle-ripping pumps. Spend 5-10 minutes stretching and cooling down after a workout to kickstart your recovery process.
Focus on contracting your working muscles throughout the range of motion for optimal muscle stimulation.
Following the correct form for each exercise is as important as keeping your training intensity high. Compromising your form can increase your risk of injury.
Wrapping Up
Incorporating a cable HIIT workout into your training regimen is a great way to achieve your weight loss and cardiovascular health goals. Cable HIIT exercises are incredibly versatile; they can be easily modified to fit an exerciser’s training experience and level.
Perform the cable HIIT workout in this article once weekly to improve your strength, stability, and mobility and boost your fat loss progress and aerobic and anaerobic health. Remember, keeping your training intensity high is the key to success with HIIT workouts. Best of luck!
References
Martins C, Kazakova I, Ludviksen M, Mehus I, Wisloff U, Kulseng B, Morgan L, King N. High-Intensity Interval Training and Isocaloric Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Result in Similar Improvements in Body Composition and Fitness in Obese Individuals. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2016 Jun;26(3):197-204. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0078. Epub 2015 Oct 19. PMID: 26479856.
Falcone PH, Tai CY, Carson LR, Joy JM, Mosman MM, McCann TR, Crona KP, Kim MP, Moon JR. Caloric expenditure of aerobic, resistance, or combined high-intensity interval training using a hydraulic resistance system in healthy men. J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Mar;29(3):779-85. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000661. PMID: 25162652.
Wingfield HL, Smith-Ryan AE, Melvin MN, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Hackney AC, Weaver MA, Ryan ED. The acute effect of exercise modality and nutrition manipulations on post-exercise resting energy expenditure and respiratory exchange ratio in women: a randomized trial. Sports Med Open. 2015 Dec;1(1):11. doi: 10.1186/s40798-015-0010-3. Epub 2015 Jun 5. PMID: 27747847.
Ouerghi N, Fradj MKB, Bezrati I, Khammassi M, Feki M, Kaabachi N, Bouassida A. Effects of high-intensity interval training on body composition, aerobic and anaerobic performance, and plasma lipids in overweight/obese and normal-weight young men. Biol Sport. 2017 Dec;34(4):385-392. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2017.69827. Epub 2017 Sep 20. PMID: 29472742; PMCID: PMC5819474.
Best Ways To Improve Your Body Composition For That Ultimate Physique
Change your body composition and sculpt that shredded aesthetic.
We all want that shredded aesthetic, but too often do we not fully understand body composition and what it actually means. This baseline knowledge of body composition that many of us have is a great foundation, but at the end of the day, knowing what it is and how best to improve it, or totally change it, can go a long way.
You hear about body composition, body fat percentage, and all of those terms but just how much do you actually know? And do you know enough to change and improve it? While most of this reflects a strict lifestyle of working out, eating right, and keeping other aspects of your lifestyle in check, it is possible to improve your body composition so you see those results you want most.
Let’s get into this and talk body composition, body fat percentage, and how to best improve all of these for the best gains possible. By the end of this, you will have set yourself up for what matters most, and that being a well-sculpted and well-worked on physique.
What Exactly Is Body Composition?
Body composition in the measure of fat, muscle, and bone as it pertains to an individual. This does not necessarily have to do with how much you weigh, but rather what your body fat percentage is. So, two people weighing 200 lbs. will have different body compositions depending on a number of factors. To make things simple, losing fat and gaining more muscle is putting you in a more healthy spot (1).
Related: How To Burn Stubborn Body Fat
When it comes to your body fat and measuring your body fat percentage, there are a few factors to consider that can help us understand this. Sex and gender, age, how active you are, and what your lifestyle is around food, among others, can influence your body fat percentage so knowing all of this information and how it affects you is more than important to know (2).
Best Ways To Improve Body Composition
Knowing the best ways to improve your body composition can go a long way and should not be overlooked as an effective way to see great gains. All of these tips are achievable and it just takes you wanting to work at it and setting the best goals to get there as fast as possible.
Set A Realistic Goal
To start, setting a realistic goal for yourself is super important. Too often do we make massive goals that are simply unreachable. We start to fail and fail and ultimately give up because we aren’t hitting our goals. Smaller battles help win the larger war and by setting these smaller, more attainable goals for yourself, you start to hit bigger goals, and ultimately, that end goal.
Focus On Strength Training
Changing your body composition requires you to focus on lifting weights. Strength training, and doing so effectively, will build muscle and through this, you start to see better development and an overall sense that your muscle growth is starting to show. When you take your shirt off and see more definition than before, it only makes you want to work harder (3).
Keeping a journal of your weights so you can see progress is important, but you also need to be increasing in weight to continue to build as much muscle as possible.
Work With HIIT
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great form of cardio that allows you to lose fat while also building muscle. Longer, more steady forms of cardio will build endurance, but you start to pull from muscle stores for energy which can be costly. Focusing on more intense forms of cardio still build endurance, keeps on that lean muscle, and works to burn more calories so you actually see weight loss results (4).
It’s All About The Kitchen
This could not be more true. Working out only goes so far if your diet is not on point. What happens in the kitchen and what food you make for yourself greatly impacts body composition and how this is handled. Eating right is incredibly important and while it is okay to cheat here and there, having the best quality food in your diet goes a long way. Don’t let all that hard work go to waste once you step back into the house.
Related: Straight Facts: Pros and Cons Of The Most Popular Bodybuilding Diets
Don’t Let Sleep Slide
You absolutely cannot let sleep slide, for sleep is a vital part of our bodies and the recovery process. If you are someone looking to keep on lean muscle, then focusing on sleep and giving yourself the best chance at recovery can go a long way. Don’t let sleep slide and really work to emphasize this in your routine (5).
In Supplements We Trust
Supplements can be a helping hand when it comes to changing body composition and with the right approach to supplementation, a quality product can go a long way. Whether that be a protein powder, pre-workout, fat burner, or many more, you will see results.
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a great supplement for weight loss and optimizing muscle building. A clean, high-quality, and science driven fat burner allows for optimal benefits.
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a clean, effective, and powerful product designed to target stored fat and deliver high amounts of energy to boost all of your goals. With 10 great ingredients, this supplement works for a host of benefits to maximize the effects of your fat loss journey. Strongest can optimize muscle building and recovery to maintain that lean muscle, cut your appetite so you are comfortable yet still able to lose weight, ignite fat loss to see those desired body composition changes, and provide for real energy boosts by burning extra calories and stored fat.
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Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners for more great fat burning products!
Wrap Up
Changing your body composition may seem challenging but it is absolutely possible with the right approach. Knowing the best tips and how best to attack this can go a long way so put your focus on the right things. The best approach to this is optimizing both fitness and nutrition so you see those results you want most.
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*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Wells, J.; et al. (2006). “Measuring body composition”. (source)
Gallagher, D.; et al. (2000). “Healthy percentage body fat ranges: an approach for developing guidelines based on body mass index”. (source)
Seguin, R.; et al. (2015). “Strength Training Improves Body Image and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife and Older Rural Women”. (source)
Heydari, M.; et al. (2012). “The Effect of High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Body Composition of Overweight Young Males”. (source)
Carneiro-Barrera, A.; et al. (2020). “Body Composition Impact on Sleep in Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Sedentariness, Physical Activity, and Diet”. (source)
Best Summer Shredding Tips To Get You Beach Body Ready
Get that beach bod ready with these summer shredding tips.
The summer months are around the corner and now it’s time to show off that beach body and these summer shredding tips can help. If you were someone who hibernated all winter and maybe let your diet slip, fear not. The top tips for shredding can get you back on track and seeing those gains you want most.
The winter months can be hard. Trekking through snow and cold temperatures to have to hit the gym. It feels like more of a process than actual enjoyment. And if you are someone who maybe slacked off a bit, what you will find is that you might not look as beach ready as you would like.
The top summer shredding tips on the other hand can get you looking and feeling great and without these tips, you may find yourself floundering through spring only to be dissatisfied come those sunshine summer months. Your shirt off can prove to everyone that you were willing to put in work and get that beach body ready for viewing.
Let’s jump into the top summer shredding tips so you can better prepare yourself for when you want to go shirtless. The right approach to making this happen can make your life a bit easier and allow for only the best gains to unfold.
Top Summer Shredding Tips
By following these tips, you will find you can better tackle those goals and allow yourself the ability to see great gains. While it may be challenging to stick to all of these all the time, know it is just until you see that summer shred and get that body beach ready.
Effective Workout Plan
You need to make sure your workout plan is working for you. This means a nice mix of strength training and high-intensity interval work to enhance both muscle building and cardio. What you will find is that by building effective muscle and working towards increasing high intensity intervals, you burn fat without suffering any muscle loss (1). With too much cardio, you start to diminish strength gains and ultimately will lose that definition you want most.
Healthy Diet
We know that healthy diet can mean a lot of different things for a lot of different people. But what we mean by this is to maximize protein and not sacrifice the other two macronutrients (2). At the end of the day, a well-balanced diet is imperative to a summer shred. If you restrict too many calories thinking you can starve yourself to a shred, it won’t work and you will not see gains.
Give Your Body Rest
Your body needs rest and it needs to recover overall as well. What you will find with better recovery is you will feel better and you will give your body the time it needs to recuperate and heal. By feeling better and more loose, you won’t be so tight and wound up so as to cause unwanted stress and you will move better in the gym, thus giving yourself a better workout.
STOP Tracking Your Weight
Tracking your weight will only lead to obsession. It is good to know how much you weigh. But when it comes to a summer shred, pay attention to how you look and feel as opposed to how much you weigh. Muscle weighs more than fat and sometimes it isn’t a question about losing weight, but instead about losing fat.
Use Supplements
Using supplements is absolutely key in a summer shred and what you will find is there are certain supplements to aid in your goals for the most effective shred. A protein powder is exactly what you need post-workout to see great gains for muscle growth, recovery, and fat loss while a pre-workout can give you energy and muscle pumps for that pre-workout boost (3,4). Plus, to aid in that summer shred, a fat burner can kickstart your metabolism and work to suppress your appetite for better gains to fat loss.
Hydration!
Staying hydrated is key for it helps with all of the above tips. For exercise, it will keep those muscles hydrated and moving efficiently to see great gains and optimize recovery. When it comes to diet, what you will find is this can increase satiety and work for overall better support. For its role in weight loss and overall better recovery, staying hydrated is absolutely key in allowing you to shred and optimize all forms of training for the best results possible (5).
Featured Shaker Bottle For Increased Hydration
We wanted to share a high-quality shaker bottle so you see the best gains possible and actually want to stay hydrated. With a great design and overall excellent durability, this shaker bottle is worth every dollar in efforts to help you shred and keep you hydrated.
Ice Shaker 26oz. Shaker Bottle
Code GENIRON For 20% Off
Ice Shaker 26oz Shaker Bottle is a great shaker bottle for those looking for durability, portability, and the best mixing for those training and hydration needs.
Ice Shaker 26oz Shaker Bottle is a kitchen grade premium stainless-steel cup perfect for training and everyday use. This no sweat bottle keeps everything dry, the odor resistant stainless steel allows for longevity and no foul odor, and double wall vacuum insulation allows drinks to stay hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 30 hours or more. Great for mixability, you will find this shaker bottle tackles any and all of those needs and can hold 26oz of any desire beverage.
Price: $34.99
Check out our list of the Best Shaker Bottles to make sure you keep up with all your hydration needs!
Wrap Up
As these warm summer months approach, these summer shredding tips are exactly what you need to succeed. By focusing on the right approach and working to maximize your shredding goals, what you will find is you can effectively shred with these worthwhile tips. That beach ready body may seem farther away than it is and by looking ahead and thinking positively about your prospective gains, you will absolutely get there with the right plan of attack and top summer shredding tips to follow.
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Roy, M.; et al. (2018). “High-Intensity Interval Training in the Real World: Outcomes from a 12-Month Intervention in Overweight Adults”. (source)
Leidy, H.; et al. (2015). “The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance”. (source)
Frestedt, J.; et al. (2008). “A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study”. (source)
Gonzalez, A.; et al. (2011). “Effect of a Pre-Workout Energy Supplement on Acute Multi-Joint Resistance Exercise”. (source)
Shirreffs, S. (2009). “Hydration in sport and exercise: water, sports drinks and other drinks”. (source)
The Science Of Perfecting Your Physique As A Bodybuilder
Work to optimize your physique and see great bodybuilding gains.
There’s no doubt that hard work is one of the most important elements behind any athletic endeavor and the science of perfecting your physique is incredibly important as you seek gains. There are no cheats that will help you easily become a star fitness athlete. But of course, this doesn’t mean that blind hard work pays off either and that is particularly true for bodybuilding.
It takes a very careful consideration to both nutrition and exercise to truly sculpt the body into something masterful. Behind all that hard work there is a science backing every decision up. Building your physique is an art form, like a sculptor molding a piece of stone into a marvelous statue. It is here at this intersection of art and science that a bodybuilder lives, carefully working with amounts of dosages of food and supplements while crafting their muscles to look symmetrical and uniform.
While it is true that some muscles do grow faster than others, and everyone is different so this may manifest itself differently, the right approach can take you a long way and lead you to those gains you seek the most. Understanding why you work so hard will pay off in the long run for you need to know the specifics of what you want to become. Having this goal in mind is exactly what you need most to see effective and worthwhile gains.
Let’s dive into the science of perfecting your physique and how best a bodybuilder can prepare for training and competition. Going beyond just hard work requires diligence and close attention to detail for again, both science and art sometimes require that fine tuning. At the end, you will have a physique others will most certainly envy.
Photo via @bpakfitness Instagram
Who’s In The Video
Ben Pakulski is a professional bodybuilder from Canada with some top finishes on the pro circuit. His work ethic and dedication to the bodybuilding craft has led him into other ventures outside the gym like a degree in Kinesiology and an author of a book surrounding bodybuilding and nutrition.
Dr. Jacob Wilson holds his doctorate in exercise physiology with other degrees in sports nutrition and sports psychology. A published author and dedicated researcher, his role is to conduct tests and see what is the most useful form of training and nutrition when it comes to competitive athletics.
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What They Had To Say
Cardio
Dr. Wilson made it clear that running was one of the worst things for a bodybuilder to do. Not only does too much cardio limit muscle growth, but it will show a decline in strength as well. He makes this clear with an example involving Ben Pakulski.
Ben has massive legs and clearly needs to lift big weight with exercises like squats and the leg press to keep up his size. If Ben were to run longer distances, he would lose that valuable leg muscles and therefore, no longer be able to lift as much weight as he needs to during his heavy exercises.
Dr. Wilson says the best form of cardio is high intense cardio, or what most people refer to as high intensity interval training, where you will lose fat, raise your metabolism, and gain muscle. You get your heart rate up, don’t sacrifice gains, and still accomplish a fantastic workout (1,2).
Examples of high intensity interval training can range from burpees, high knees, or mountain climbers, all the way to hill sprints or bike sprints. This is really a preference of what you would like but the benefit to so many options is that you can pair certain exercises together to create a great combination and craft a well-organized training routine. As long as your heart rate gets going and you start to see amazing gains, the combination of exercises is all just a preference to you.
Supplements
In this video, Ben discusses supplements and what he believes is best to take. He starts with protein powder for those post-workout needs. A great protein powder will work to enhance muscle growth and repair those worn-down muscles, so they heal and grow back stronger. Along with this, it will enhance recovery and can lead to weight loss or better weight management since protein helps keep you full for longer with less snacking or cravings (3,4).
Glutamine is an amino acid found in your body and serves as the building block of protein. Ben makes it known that this is good to take either post-workout, or first thing in the morning and on an empty stomach. Glutamine works to enhance healthy gut function, improve muscle growth, and aid in other bodily functions to improve your health, wellness, and performance (5).
To keep up on your health, Ben talked about spacing vitamin C throughout the day with meals, while also taking a multivitamin. Vitamin C as we all know is a immune booster, along with other benefits, and a multivitamin can allow for those missed nutrients, or ones we are deficient in, to enter our bodies so we stay on top of everything we need most (6).
Lastly, Ben talks about using L-carnitine as an effective supplement for moving fatty acids and turning them into fuel. Through the mitochondria, this works for energy and can play a role in your metabolism and weight management, something that will aid in your physique perfecting goals nicely (7).
Wrap Up
The science of perfecting your physique is something all bodybuilders and athletes should take note of. What this can do is greatly enhance your ability to see gains and sculpt that desired physique you want most. On top of everything else, you will be confident in knowing you have done everything you can to give yourself the best chance at success when it comes to training, a healthy lifestyle, and competition. By following some advice from bodybuilder Ben Pakulski and Dr. Jacob Wilson, you have a better idea of how to best tackle those physique goals to craft that shredded and toned aesthetic.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Laursen, P.; et al. (2002). “The scientific basis for high-intensity interval training: optimizing training programmes and maximizing performance in highly trained endurance athletes”. (source)
Ito, S. (2019). “High-intensity interval training for health benefits and care of cardiac diseases – The key to an efficient exercise protocol”. (source)
Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2014). “Effects of protein supplements on muscle damage, soreness and recovery of muscle function and physical performance: a systematic review”. (source)
Cruzat, V.; et al. (2018). “Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation”. (source)
Carr, A.; et al. (2017). “Vitamin C and Immune Function”. (source)
Pooyandjoo, M.; et al. (2016). “The effect of (L-) carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)
Top 5 Tips For Keeping Up With Your Cardio Indoors
There are ways to keep up with your cardio while working out at home.
Cardio might not be the most appealing type of exercise in the world, but it’s an important part of a healthy and well-rounded exercise routine. Keeping with your cardio can be a burden, but there are ways you can incorporate it into your daily workouts to make it more manageable.
If you’re still working from home, this is a great time to think about how you could incorporate exercise throughout the day since you no longer have going to the office taking up so much of your time.
Tip #1: The kettlebell is your friend.
Weight is your best friend when it comes to doing indoor cardio. Since you don’t have that much space to move around, the best trick is to utilize weights to force your body to break a sweat. The kettlebell is one of the best workout tools in this respect. You can do rapid kettlebell swings to get your heart rate up while standing in living room watching TV or on a Zoom call.
Doing twists while holding a kettlebell, when done rapidly, can also increase your cardio and help you lose weight! If you want to get serious about doing indoor cardio, definitely make sure you have one of these on hand, or an equivalent weighted tool you prefer like a medicine ball.
Tip #2: Sneak cardio into your strength training.
If you’re one of those people that absolutely dreads doing cardio, there are ways you can sneak cardio exercises into your strength training workouts. Simple modifications to common workouts are key. You could try doing five minutes of HIIT in between exercises as a way of getting cardio in while continuing to do whatever workout you normally do and enjoy.
Tip #3: Try jumping jacks, jump rope, and other ways of working out that don’t use equipment.
One of the biggest challenges of doing cardio at home is that — if you don’t have a home gym — you don’t have access to any of the fitness equipment like treadmills or rowing machines that make indoor cardio a breeze. You can still get cardio in at home with some tried and true classics like the jump rope.
Make a commitment to do fifteen minutes of jumping jacks before you start your day or before you go to bed. A jump rope is a cheap and easy way to do cardio in your house whenever you have the time. Remember, it’s the man that makes the workout, not the equipment.
Tip #4: High knees will help you break a sweat.
High knees are a cardio fundamental. It gets the blood pumping and you can do it pretty much anywhere. Plus, it burns fat in a pretty fast amount of time, so as long as you do it rapidly and with intensity you don’t even have to do it that long. Better yet, do it in small but intense bursts throughout the day to burn the most fat.
Tip #5: Don’t rely too much on HIIT for cardio, since it will disrupt your gains in strength training.
Lots of people choose HIIT as their weapon of choice when it comes to getting cardio in and it’s easy to see why. It’s quick, effective, and it gets the job done. But HIIT workouts can actually slim you down and decrease your gains from strength training since the exercises are designed to make your body more lean. If you’re trying to do cardio without sacrificing gains, make sure to not overdose on HIIT.
Long-Term Fat Loss: Is the Afterburn Effect Burnt Out?
Long-Term Fat Loss: Is the Afterburn Effect Burnt Out?
“Bro, have you heard about the Afterburn Effect? Basically, if you work super hard you can get your body to burn tons of fat even long after you’ve finished training. It’s how all these big guys stay lean.”
This is literally a phrase I heard in a gym while I was training a few years ago. I remember thinking to myself that I’ve heard of that effect before and I had never looked into it much. I knew what EPOC was (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) and that is a real thing, but can you actually burn a significant amount of calories that would lead to fat loss or at the very least the maintenance of fat loss long-term? Let’s find out!
Weight Loss Maintenance
You’ve probably been training for a decent amount of time, and once you do you start to realize that achieving goals is one thing; holding onto them for long periods of time is a whole other animal. It’s true that when it comes to muscle mass, it takes far less volume to maintain it than it does to build it (I’ve covered volume thresholds for hypertrophy in a previous article) [1]. However, do the same rules apply to fat loss?
If we’re talking about long-term weight-loss maintenance in the general population, success, as it’s defined by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is losing 10% of initial body weight and keeping it off for at least 1 year [2]. If you’re in the field, maybe you’ve had clients that have difficulty with weight-loss maintenance, or maybe you’re having trouble with it yourself. In either case, we might look to training techniques as a way to improve our chances without making huge changes to diet – and this is where we might run into some problems because:
The Type of Training Matters
The word intensity gets thrown around a lot and depending on who you’re speaking to it could mean anything from weight used, to how fast your heart is beating, to even just your general perception of the workout. Personally, if we’re in the context of weight lifting, the intensity will always mean the load you are lifting. For circuit training and various forms of HIIT, then I’ll replace that with the percentage of max heart rate.
So let’s talk about high effort, high HR intervals. This would be the obvious choice for the afterburn effect considering how much you need to push yourself to remain at consistently high output. That leads us to a study by Kelly et al. that tested two cardio-based HIIT workouts and their effects on energy expenditure and resting energy expenditure (this is the one that matters for afterburn).
Both groups completed a HIIT cardio workout with one group performing the workout for 10-minutes and the other for 40-minutes. In terms of total energy expenditure and resting energy expenditure post-workout, the results favored the longer duration workout which is not surprising, but that REE increase amounts to a measly 92.9 extra kcals burned [3].
Definitely not the long-lasting calorie scorcher we’re looking for here.
Alright, Let’s Get Jacked Instead
Well, I’m glad cardio intervals weren’t the answer here because now that saves me from having to do them. Besides, the more muscle you have the more calories you burn right?
A study by Hunter and colleagues researched just that in elderly participants. The reason I prefer this study population is that in most cases they already have inadequate muscle mass which means we can potentially observe significant changes. These folks were training 3x/week and getting yolked! The average increase in fat-free mass was 2kg while losing 3.4% body fat within 26 weeks.
Not bad at all.
The researchers measured REE before and after the study was complete and found a “significant” improvement in REE totaling a whopping 81 kcal extra burned per day [4]. That’s maybe half a hard candy – nowhere near enough to get these grannies and grandpas in speedo-shape (though that rarely stops them).
You know what, maybe they just weren’t working hard enough. They were pretty old, and I like to work way harder than that!
Push it to the Limit
I know what you’re thinking – your lifting workouts are way harder than cardio intervals or what those seniors were doing during their sessions. Where are the alpha workouts?
That’s where good ol’ Hackney and colleagues come in to save the day. They know what you want and they’re going to give it to you: an all-out savage lifting workout. It might not be exactly what you’re used to, but they included two groups of participants (trained and untrained) as well as incorporating eccentric tempos, multiple movements per set, and long sessions. We know these sessions were grueling because they also measured creatine kinase levels post-workout which is a direct measure of muscle damage and most of these guys were into very high levels, especially in the untrained group.
The results indicated a very high increase in REE even 72 hours after the workout which would be exciting, however, if you have read my previous article on training to failure [click here!] you can already suspect that there’s more at play here than simply creating enough extra calorie burn to reduce body fat. As the authors put it:
“Prolonged elevations in REE between 24 and 72 hours post-exercise may be triggered by factors associated with DOMS and the overall muscle-repair process. … The extent of the elevation was more pronounced in the UT group, indicating a greater degree of muscle damage.” (Hackney et al. 2008)
So, that spike in energy expenditure is due to your body working overtime in order to recover and remodel muscle tissue from the damage the workout caused.
These results are in line with a 2012 paper by Paoli et al that tested high-intensity resistance training versus traditional training in resistance-trained men. These guys were already decently advanced since the average body fat percentage was 8.5% (but I’m not very confident in that number). This training was a rest/pause style training so the participants were using intraset pauses to be able to lift a heavy weight many more times than they would have been able to without the rest. The results showed a solid 452 kcals/day extra that were burned post-workout.
However, while the results are impressive, the authors concluded the same outcome as Hackney and colleagues; the large increase in REE was more than likely because the post-workout re-synthesis of protein is very energy expensive [6].
Final Word
You can never go wrong with wanting to do more work, and no one can fault you for trying to get away with as much as possible in terms of results. We all want to live in a world where we can go to war in the gym and have the resulting effects of that workout continue for a day or two. In some ways they do – but not in the way that we used to think. That being said, here’s what we’ve learned:
Pure cardio-based workouts will burn more calories during training than weightlifting will, but any increase in energy expenditure afterward is minimal and subsides within an hour. While age-related decreases in fat-free mass reduce energy expenditure, increasing the total amount of muscle mass within realistic values doesn’t seem to have a significant effect on increasing REE. What does seem to have the biggest effect on increasing REE post-workout for up to several days is a large amount of muscle damage – the two downsides to this in my opinion are 1) You would have to live in a constant state of debilitating soreness, and 2) your body is too good at adapting to stimuli that you would run out of ways to create that damage. There is also the law of diminishing returns to think about.
There is definitely more room for research to be done on this subject. The studies that are presently available do not all measure REE the same way which can also lead me to wonder if they’re using certain methods in order to confirm their hypotheses.
Finally, I think this is just another way to confirm that there is no perfect workout method. In terms of impressive results, nothing will beat progressive overload, consistency, and eating for your goals.
References:
[1] Bickel, C. Scott, James M. Cross, and Marcas M. Bamman. “Exercise dosing to retain resistance training adaptations in young and older adults.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 43, no. 7 (2011): 1177-1187.
[2] Wing, Rena R., and Suzanne Phelan. “Long-term weight loss maintenance–.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 82, no. 1 (2005): 222S-225S.
[3] Kelly, Benjamin, James A. King, Jonas Goerlach, and Myra A. Nimmo. “The impact of high-intensity intermittent exercise on resting metabolic rate in healthy males.” European journal of applied physiology 113, no. 12 (2013): 3039-3047.
[4] Hunter, Gary R., Carla J. Wetzstein, David A. Fields, Amanda Brown, and Marcas M. Bamman. “Resistance training increases total energy expenditure and free-living physical activity in older adults.” Journal of applied physiology (2000).
[5] Hackney, Kyle J., Hermann-J. Engels, and Randall J. Gretebeck. “Resting energy expenditure and delayed-onset muscle soreness after full-body resistance training with an eccentric concentration.” The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 22, no. 5 (2008): 1602-1609.
[6] Paoli, Antonio, Tatiana Moro, Giuseppe Marcolin, Marco Neri, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma, and Keith Grimaldi. “High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training (HIRT) influences resting energy expenditure and respiratory ratio in non-dieting individuals.” Journal of translational medicine 10, no. 1 (2012): 1-8.
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