If you would like to enjoy a bigger post-training endorphin rush, try upping the intensity of your workout with High-Intensity Interval Training! According to a recent study from the University of Turku in Finland, a greater number of endorphins are released in the brain after a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout, compared with an hour-long steady-state session. What’s more, this higher endorphin release will also help counteract the pain of working out harder. Still not convinced? Check out these 8 reasons to make HIIT a regular in your training regime.

1. It’s efficient

HIIT is the ideal workout for the busy person. And research proves it. The American College of Sports Medicine says that two weeks of HIIT improves your aerobic capacity as much as six to eight weeks of endurance training would. 

2. You’ll burn more fat

The effect of all that intense exertion kicks your body’s repair cycle into hyperdrive, which means that you burn more fat and calories in the 24 hours after a HIIT workout.

3. You’ll strengthen your heart

HIIT generally pushes you into an anaerobic zone (that special place where you can’t breathe and you feel like your heart is trying to jump out of your chest). Spending more time in this zone will help to strengthen your heart and cardio fitness – fast!

4. No equipment necessary

If you have equipment, great! But you don’t need it to get the job done. High knees, jumps, fast feet, jump lunges – these will get your heart rate up.

5. You won’t lose muscle

Steady-state cardio encourages muscle loss, but studies show that both weight training and HIIT allow people to keep their hard-earned muscles while reaping the benefits of fat loss. 

6. You’ll set your metabolism on fire

HIIT stimulates the production of the human growth hormone (HGH) by up to 450% during the 24 hours after your workout. HGH is responsible for increased caloric burn and helps to slow down the ageing process.

7. You don’t need a gym

Since it’s so varied, you can modify your HIIT workout based on your time and space constraints. So whether you’re exercising at home, stuck in a hotel room or on holiday with the family, you can squeeze in a session. 

8. It’s hard

And we love hard work! It’s short, hard and fast. So you may feel like you’re dying or struggle to catch your breath, but just remember that it’ll all be over soon. 

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