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High intensity interval training – known as HIIT – is quickly becoming recognized as the most efficient form of cardio workout for those who want to burn fat without losing very much lean muscle tissue. Unlike more traditional cardio workouts such as jogging, which rely on low-intensity exercise performed over a significant period of time, HIIT workouts are short and relatively difficult, but they deliver better results.

When HIIT was developed, coaches and trainers used to instruct their athletes to incorporate HIIT principles into their roadwork. Sprints of twenty to thirty seconds were inserted into medium-speed running workouts, and they boosted the intensity but still allowed the workout to last for a period of time sufficient for cardiovascular adaptation. Usually referred to as “wind sprints”, these traditional workouts were effective and not particularly time-consuming. Coaches knew that these sorts of workouts were effective, but home fitness enthusiasts were slow to catch on to the trend. Popular workouts at the time usually included low-intensity jogging as a cardio component.

Several researchers in the field of exercise physiology have verified that interval training is more efficient than traditional cardio workouts. Their work shows that this style of exercise is ideal for reducing the levels of body fat while also maintaining a significant amount of lean muscle mass. Most studies of this type were conducted with young, healthy test subjects, but recent anecdotal evidence shows that anyone who is prepared for the rigors of high-intensity training will receive similar benefits to those detailed in the studies.In fact it is the most efficient workout to lose belly fat

Lately, HIIT has been re-discovered by diverse groups of athletes who all have one thing in common: the need to perform well at maximum intensity for short periods of time. A current trend is Tabatas: ultra-short high intensity intervals, maxing out at 20 seconds, combined with even shorter rest periods. This style of workout is named for the scientist who discovered it, and it’s used not only by the bicyclists for whom it was developed, but by athletes in many other disciplines.

Now, no matter the sport or activity, it is possible to find a coach who recommends high intensity interval training to those who want to prepare themselves for the rigors of the athletic season or just get in shape. All manner of cardio exercise can be performed according to an HIIT schedule;

High intensity interval training is no longer limited to runners and other track athletes. These days, it is used by athletes in virtually every sport, and by fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Just remember not too go too hard when you first start out, it takes a little while to get used to. You are advised to start out with only doing four to six sprint repetitions with ample rest before moving on to longer workouts. A great place to begin is the Lose Belly Fat Fast workout for beginners.