1.What happens to the body during HIIT? Hormonally/energy wise/etc?
HIIT workouts provide heightened energy levels following cortisol hormone fluctuations, a stress hormone. Cortisol causes physiological changes, including fat and carbs breakdown, leading to increased blood sugar for energy boost.
2. Do women need to fuel before doing HIIT? Why? Are there any groups of women who may need to be extra conscious of this?
Eating before a HIIT session prevents lightheadedness and sluggishness. Fuel up with carbs and some protein for energy buildup and muscle priming to exercise intensely. HIIT is great for women aged 50 and more, but they need to be keen for safety.
3. Fasted workouts are popular, but is there any benefit for women in doing them? Particularly relating to high-intensity workouts?
Fasted HIIT helps shed more weight because it facilitates fat oxidation, where the body exploits energy from fat stores. At rest, insulin levels decrease, resulting in energy use from fat and not carbohydrates.
4. What sorts of things should we eat before HIIT? Why?
I advise my clients to eat carbohydrates to counter the high energy demands in HIIT. Proteins help reduce muscle loss and proper recovery.
