The science behind HIIT (high intensity interval training) reveals why both athletes and amateurs are hooked. Short bouts of intense exercise have clear and visible benefits. Small levels of intensive exercise boost the production of mitochondria – the cell’s batteries – which enhance muscle endurance.

In a recent study,* volunteers who cycled for 30 seconds as fast as possible, six times, triggered the effect. Tissue samples of their muscles proved that just a few minutes is all it takes to show results. Any workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less intense activity is a fat blasting workout. The best news? HIIT on a bike is low impact, resulting in no pounding on the joints.

Incorporating a HIIT workout one or two times a week into your regular routine will improve your aerobic capacity, increase your HGH (human growth hormone) levels, boost your metabolism and allow your body to become more efficient in dealing with lactic acid build up – enabling it to work harder for longer periods of time.

*Karonlinska Institute in Sweden