If you thought high-intensity interval training (HIIT) couldn’t possibly have more health benefits, think again. According to new research, both HIIT workouts and resistance training together could help you live longer. That is, if you stick with it as you get older.

Mayo Clinic researchers compared two different kinds of workouts in three ways. They studied the effects of HIIT only, resistance training only, and combined training. During combined training, participants did both types of workouts. The study’s most surprising results had to do with making proteins.

Your body’s ability to make proteins gets worse as you get older. This is in large part why aging happens. Regular exercise over time helps the body continue making proteins. As a result, your muscles receive more protein. HIIT workouts help build muscle that way. Also, resistance training helps make those muscles stronger.

So it makes sense that both types of workouts are the best choice for everyone. Protein rich, strong muscles boost your chances of living longer.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours at the gym. When it comes to HIIT, less is more. But spending a little time at the gym most days of the week is definitely worth it, if it means having more time alive to do … well, everything else.

MP’s Take: These findings confirm what we already knew about HIIT. Also, they give us good news about both HIIT and H.I.S.T. Resistance training is just as important as cardio. They’re both better together.

Intense workouts are just all-around good for you. That is, as long as you’re making sure to switch up which muscle groups you’re focusing on from day to day. If you’re focusing on full-body workouts, don’t forget to take a rest day or two. Give your muscles time to repair, and grow!

Source

http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-discovers-high-intensity-aerobic-training-can-reverse-aging-processes-in-adults/