Cross Fit, strength training or HIIT: which suits you best?
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Strength training, Cross Fit, HIIT; there are many fitness terms around. Can't separate the wheat from the chaff? We pave the way for you with explanations of these three types of fitness training.
What is strength training?
Said bluntly, strength training strengthens your muscles. You can do that to look good and grow your muscles. On a more subtle level strength training also helps you in everyday life: lifting a shopping bag, taking a child on the arm or walking up the stairs with a full laundry basket. It all takes less effort when you engage in strength training. Therefore, strength training is good for men and women, and for all ages. There are a wide range of devices and accessories for doing strength training, such as home gyms, power towers, barbells, weight benches, dumbbells and fitness racks.
What is Cross Fit?
Cross Fit is a 'next level' workout. Cross Fit incorporates a number of power elements, but it is so much more than that. Cross Fit consists of various exercises derived from other sports in combination with other forms of movement and training. You can think of swimming, weightlifting and gymnastics, as well as rope climbing, push-ups and athletics. For this you can go out and train with what you encounter, but you can also choose a cross fit rack with accessories, or separate accessories such as a plyo box or Cross Fit trainer.
Cross Fit does not make you excel in a particular exercise or discipline. It does ensure that your general fitness level improves. It doesn't make you super muscular, but your body is well trained. Moreover, a workout is never boring; Cross Fit is synonymous with variation. You work on flexibility, (muscle strength) endurance, speed, agility, coordination and balance. But whatever you do, Cross Fit exercises are performed with high intensity.
Cross Fit does not make you excel in a particular exercise or discipline. It does ensure that your general fitness level improves. It doesn't make you super muscular, but your body is well trained. Moreover, a workout is never boring; Cross Fit is synonymous with variation. You work on flexibility, (muscle strength) endurance, speed, agility, coordination and balance. But whatever you do, Cross Fit exercises are performed with high intensity.
What is HIIT?
'High intensity' is also the code word in HIIT. 'High Intensity Interval Training' pushes you to the limit. It is the most intensive form of interval training where heavy exercise sessions alternate with short periods of minimal effort that give you time to recover. In those intense sessions you give it all you got, truly going to the max, for example in a series of squat jumps, push-ups or dumbbell lifts. Your heart rate spikes and your metabolism accelerates. After that, you have a moment to catch your breath.
It is an excellent cardio workout, your stamina increases, you burn fat, your muscle mass increases and you do not have to go to the gym as you can do a workout anywhere you want. Because they are very intensive, HIIT workouts usually take no more than thirty minutes. Ideal for people who do not have a lot of time to do sports. With HIIT you get very fit rapidly.
The disadvantage of this form of training is that there is a risk of exaggerating; you do not get rest between the intense sessions, your workout session goes on too long or you do too many workouts in a row. HIIT can quickly lead to exhaustion or injury. A maximum of three times a week — with at least one day of rest between workouts — is sufficient.
It is an excellent cardio workout, your stamina increases, you burn fat, your muscle mass increases and you do not have to go to the gym as you can do a workout anywhere you want. Because they are very intensive, HIIT workouts usually take no more than thirty minutes. Ideal for people who do not have a lot of time to do sports. With HIIT you get very fit rapidly.
The disadvantage of this form of training is that there is a risk of exaggerating; you do not get rest between the intense sessions, your workout session goes on too long or you do too many workouts in a row. HIIT can quickly lead to exhaustion or injury. A maximum of three times a week — with at least one day of rest between workouts — is sufficient.
Wat suits you best: strength training, Cross Fit of HIIT?
Which of the training forms suits you best depends on your workout goals. As described above, each form has its own, unique effect on your body and has its advantages and disadvantages. Are you going for endurance, muscle mass or cardio, are you someone of gradual progress or do you like to go to the max? Look closely at your body and your goals and choose the best and most suitable type of training.
You can also perfectly combine them due to their differences. But always keep enough rest and give your body time to recover! Are you new to each of these types of workouts? Don't let the internet be your guide, but choose a personal companion. Only in this way will you avoid injuries and achieve the best result.
You can also perfectly combine them due to their differences. But always keep enough rest and give your body time to recover! Are you new to each of these types of workouts? Don't let the internet be your guide, but choose a personal companion. Only in this way will you avoid injuries and achieve the best result.
