The benefits of low-impact, low-volume HIIT workouts

Although many high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts clock in around 15 to 20 minutes, a research review published in the Journal of Physiology suggests that you can see benefits with a shorter session as well.

 

How short? Try under five minutes.

 

Researchers looked at 11 studies that used randomized trials of HIIT to track cardiometabolic outcomes (obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease); nearly 300 people, most of whom were inactive, were included in the review. They found that even low volumes of HIIT—four to five minutes per session—could bring significant improvements in blood pressure, oxygen usage, insulin sensitivity, and weight management. While more research is needed, the study authors state in their review that low volumes of HIIT may be enough to boost mitochondrial function in your body’s cells, which is linked to improving the health markers mentioned above.