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Are High-Intensity (HIIT) workouts my last resort for weight loss?

This is one of the most searched or may I say 'Googled' statements recently. So many people are curious about which workout will suit their lifestyle more. I was also intrigued at one point which led me to writing this, so it would be easier for some of you who still are on the lookout for answers.

Let's rewind to 2018, which was all about HIIT (high-intensity interval training) based workouts. However, there’s a growing concern and realization that cortisol, the body’s stress hormone - also known as the bad hormone is responsible for some major health-concerns that people are experiencing. I mean who would've thought that doing intense workouts can do more harm than benefit?

Cortisol often prevents people, particularly women, from losing weight and achieving the physique they strive so hard for. The reason behind this is, that intense workouts activate your fight-or-flight response which puts the body in higher levels of stress, leading to spiked cortisol levels. It is this chronic state of stress that aggravates a whole bunch of issues varying from weight gain to hormonal issues in women.


"It’s important to note that cortisol isn’t all bad, it is necessary for balancing out the body’s central nervous system. The body goes back and forth between being in an anabolic state (relaxed, calm, recovering, building up) and a catabolic state (breaking down, excited, using up energy)". * - Pvolve
"Cortisol has a vital physiological role - By raising plasma glucose levels at times of stress, cortisol provides the body with the energy it needs to face bodily attacks from injury, illness or infection. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects easing irritation and pain".* -DNAfit

So as per the findings, our body needs both but if you're putting your body under stress for over five times a week then the increased cortisol levels in your body alongside an improper diet, more cravings for caffeine, or difficult times at work. Instead, commit to resistance training where you can gain incredible strength without your cortisol spiking and inflammation in the body. Other options include restorative training such as Yoga, Pilates or walking and lastly cardio that is great for burning calories and for weight loss, while also reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.


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