The Science of HIIT: Why Your Body Burns Fat Hours After Training
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The Science of HIIT: Why Your Body Burns Fat Hours After Training
High-intensity interval training burns fat long after you've left the gym. Unlike traditional steady-state cardio , HIIT creates a metabolic afterburn effect that keeps your body torching calories for hours—sometimes up to 24 hours post-workout. This phenomenon, known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), is what makes HIIT particularly effective for fat loss despite shorter workout durations. What exactly happens in your body after those intense bursts of exercise? When you push to ≥90% of your maximum capacity during intervals, you trigger a cascade of physiological responses. Your body releases growth hormone and catecholamines , enhances mitochondrial function, and temporarily increases your resting metabolic rate. Additionally, research shows HIIT specifically targets visceral fat —the dangerous kind surrounding your organs—more effectively than moderate-intensity continuous training. This article explores the science behind HIIT's remarkable fat-burning capabili…
