Exercising And Burning: High-Intensity Functional Training

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has gained a lot of popularity as an effective method, since it combines functional movements, weight lifting and aerobic exercises. HIFT workouts create a unique training stimulus, which can both help in muscle mass gain and weight loss.

As with high-intensity intense training (HIIT), HIFT requires an intense approach, as shown by the results published in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, where there was an increase in heart rate and lactate levels. The increase in heart rate means that the cardiovascular system is working intensely, which leads to an improvement in fitness and heart health. The increase in heart rate also directly benefits the burning of calories, which in itself helps in weight loss. The high levels of lactate stimulation the activation of muscle fibres of rapid contraction, which leads to an increase in muscle mass.

More studies are still needed to follow the evolution of HIFT training, since current models have limitations that hinder a more comprehensive understanding of their impact on the body.