HIIT vs resistance training: which is better for you? It all depends on your goals and preferences! 

Both styles of training have their own unique benefits, however, one training style may suit your current fitness goals to a greater extent.

Whether you are looking to try something new or simply just want to know the difference, I’m about to break down the benefits of HIIT and resistance training so you can choose which is best for you! 

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT is a style of training that involves short bursts of high intensity effort, followed by short recovery periods. The constant swapping between high intensity exercises with rest periods means that your heart rate elevates and then drops back down multiple times through the sessions. This ‘heart rate variability’ is what makes HIIT so metabolically effective, helping to stimulate fat loss.

With HIIT, the focus is on exerting maximum physical effort during the exercises as opposed to lifting as heavy as you would during a strength training session. HIIT exercises are often bodyweight only, or use minimal equipment such as dumbbells and kettlebells. HIIT is perfect to do when you're in a time crunch, because sessions are kept short, due to it being so high intensity. HIIT sessions are full body workouts, working all major muscle groups as opposed to isolations.

Resistance Training 

Strength training involves lifting weights such as dumbbells or barbells in order to increase muscular strength, size and/or power. Lifting weights will help to increase lean muscle mass and give your physique shape and definition. Strength training requires progressive overload, meaning, you need to increase the weights you lift over time so you keep seeing noticeable changes. You can do compound exercises which work multiple muscle groups, or isolation exercises which work specific muscles. Most LSF programs are examples of strength training.

So, which should I choose?

If you’re short on time and would like to amplify fat burning, then HIIT could be for you!

If you want to work on muscular strength and enjoy spending longer time working out, resistance training could be for you. 

The good news is, you do not need to stick with one style of training forever. You can certainly switch between two styles of training depending on your goals and preferences. In fact, switching things up every now and then can be more motivating and keep things fresh.

Lately, I've really been enjoying doing cardio circuits and HIIT workouts. That’s why I decided to create a 6 Week HIIT Program to give all my #LSFbabes something new to try.

No matter what style of training you like, LSF can help you reach your fullest potential!

Loz xx