The Cortisol Creep: Is HIIT Stressing You Out?

High intensity interval training can produce amazing results. But, like anything, it’s best in moderationHigh intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained acclaim as being an efficient way to improve many aspects of physical fitness.
But without proper recovery, intense exercise can lead to elevated levels of cortisol in the bloodstream and heightened symptoms of physical stress, even when exercise is not being performeMartin DM/Getty ImagWhat is HIWhether you’re on your Peloton bike, doing a YouTube workout, or attending a class at the gym, chances are good that you’ve heard of, and maybe even tried, HIIT.
A HIIT workout consists of short bouts of intense work lasting anywhere from 10 to 60 seconds, followed immediately by a period of active recovery of the same length or longerThis cycle of hard work and recovery is repeated anywhere from 3 to 10 times, depending on the workout.
Positive physiological benefits from HIIT include heightened post-exercise metabolism, improved body composition, and improved fasting blood glucose and insulin sensitivity (1, 2, 3Trusted Source).
Because of the benefits gained within only a few workouts, HIIT has gained a reputation as being a “magic pill” of exerciseWith HIIT, you may see changes within a matter of weeks and walk away from your workouts feeling a new level of productivity and poweIt only takes a few intervals to experience your body’s heightened level of energy, which is influenced by a fluctuation of hormones, especially cortisol (4).

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