High intensity training proven to be superior

Exercise has been documented to have a profound effect on the body in many ways. One of the things exercise can alter is certain hormones. In the reviewed research, the investigators evaluated the hormone adiponectin in response to 2 different training programs (Shing CM, et al. 2013). Body composition, power output and VO2peak were also measured. Adiponectin affects several things, one of these things is body fat. As adiponectin goes up, the body fat percentage goes down.

The research participants in this study were rowers and the training period was 4 weeks. High intensity interval ergometer rowing training was compared to traditional ergo meter training with measurements taken at the beginning and at the end of both programs.

As you may have guessed the high intensity training was superior in several ways. The adiponectin level increased significantly and so did the power output and VO2peak after the high intensity interval training, while the body fat percentage decreased. None of these things changed significantly after the traditional training.

Numerous studies on high intensity interval training has now shown impressive benefits usually in a lot less time than conventional training. This is yet another example.

Shing CM, Webb JJ, Driller MW, Williams AD, Fell JW. J Circulating adiponectin concentration and body composition are altered in response to high-intensity interval training. Strength Cond Res. 2013 Aug;27(8):2213-8. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31827e1644.