A landmark 2021 meta-analysis by McMaster University reviewed 78 randomised controlled trials. It concluded that while HIT produces superior gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) within eight weeks, improvements in blood pressure and glycaemic control were statistically equivalent to traditional moderate-intensity continuous training. Notably, the analysis found that two HIT sessions per week (totalling roughly 40 minutes of intense work) achieved similar cardiovascular risk reduction as five 45-minute moderate sessions.
For decades, the conventional wisdom for improving physical fitness has been anchored in moderate-intensity endurance activities, such as jogging or cycling for 30–60 minutes several times per week. However, a growing body of exercise science suggests that High Intensity Training (HIT) – characterised by brief, all-out bursts of exercise followed by short recovery periods – can produce comparable or even superior physiological adaptations in a fraction of the time. high intensity training ielts reading answers
Proponents argue that HIT triggers unique metabolic responses. It depletes muscle glycogen stores rapidly, stimulating greater mitochondrial biogenesis – the creation of new energy-producing units within cells. Moreover, HIT elevates excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), meaning the body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate for hours after the session ends. This ‘afterburn effect’ is substantially lower after traditional endurance exercise. For decades, the conventional wisdom for improving physical
HIT involves short, maximum-effort intervals followed by recovery. It stimulates the creation of new (6) ______________ within cells, which helps produce energy. This process is triggered when HIT rapidly depletes (7) ______________ stores in muscles. One psychological drawback of HIT is that the level of (8) ______________ experienced during exercise can cause people to stop training. Match each finding or recommendation with the correct source (A–F). You may use any letter more than once. adherence can be problematic
(Note: Some answer keys prefer “mitochondrial” as a single word adjective modifying biogenesis – but the stem says “creation of new (6) ______ within cells” – the thing created is mitochondria. I’ll mark as correct.) Questions 9–13 (Matching Features) | Question | Answer | Source paragraph | |----------|--------|------------------| | 9 | E | Paragraph E: “two HIT sessions per week… as five 45-minute moderate sessions” | | 10 | D | Paragraph D: “discomfort… psychologically discouraging, leading to higher dropout rates” | | 11 | F | Paragraph F: “pre-conditioning phase of four to six weeks of moderate exercise is advised” | | 12 | F | Paragraph F: “Structured programmes such as the ‘4x4’ protocol” | | 13 | E | Paragraph E: “improvements in blood pressure… statistically equivalent” | Final Score Conversion (Approximate) | Correct Answers | IELTS Band (Reading) | |----------------|----------------------| | 12–13 | 7.5 – 8.0 | | 10–11 | 6.5 – 7.0 | | 8–9 | 5.5 – 6.0 | | 6–7 | 4.5 – 5.0 |
Despite these benefits, HIT is not without limitations. The intense nature of the training places significant stress on joints, tendons, and the cardiovascular system. Inexperienced individuals or those with underlying health conditions face a heightened risk of injury or cardiac complications. Furthermore, adherence can be problematic; many participants report that the discomfort associated with maximal exertion is psychologically discouraging, leading to higher dropout rates compared to moderate exercise.
