What evidence exists to show HIIT is better than 150 minutes/wk of exercise?

Luke Newman

            In the United Kingdom, 62% of men and 72% of women do not get the government recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.  In research studies, HIIT has shown increased aerobic capacity, carbohydrate metabolism, and insulin sensitivity.  Jamie Timmons, a professor of ageing biology at UAB, says that examining the effects of six weeks of HIT versus 20 weeks of endurance training produces results in the same range in regard to aerobic capacity.  An additional argument for the benefit of HIT is that it’s easier to maintain.  A person would be more likely to stick with a workout plan that only took a few minutes a week compared to two and a half hours.  Therefore, HIT would lead to a healthier population.  However, it was pointed out that in people who are already active, adding HIIT to their exercise regimen “does not add much.”

Murphy, Sam. "Can You Get Fit in Five Minutes?" The Guardian. The Guardian, 10 June 2012. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/10/can-get-fit-five-minutes>.