Question for those with a FitBit or similar device

[loneswaneast]

Hi,
There are many claims about HIIT workouts. The one that I am interested in seeing if there is anyone who has measured with a Fitbit is the one that states that your heartbeat remains at a higher rate for hours after completing one.

I always cringe when I hear a celebrity talk about how they only need to work out with a HIIT routine for 10 minutes a day and burn more calories for the entire day than with an hour long steady state workout because your heartbeat remains high for the rest of the day. (Don't want to name names, but the most recent was a very fit blonde).

Has anyone actually tested this claim? I love Hiit routines, but I do them for at least 30 minutes at a time, not 5 or 10, and usually for 50-60 minutes. I do feel pretty beat after, but have not been able to tell if my heartrate remained extraordinarily high for the rest of the waking day.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tlc93]

I wear a Polar A300. It has the chest strap for when I workout. Otherwise it just tracks activity, not heart rate. Perhaps I can wear the chest strap all day and check it out. Good question!

 

[kathydaffy]

From what I understand about HiiT (which admittedly is not a lot!) your heart rate does not remain elevated after you've completed a HiiT routine (that would put a LOT of pressure on your heart!). It just revs up your metabolism more than steady state cardio goes and therefore continues to burn more calories for a longer period. When you do HiiT your heart rate skyrockets during the interval training (mine does, at least), is given a chance to rest, and then skyrockets again during the next interval. But no, your heart rate doesn't stay at that high intensity level the rest of the day! I did some research about FitBit before I bought a heart rate monitor (basic Polar F4) and after cooling down my heart rate returns to normal unless I continue to exercise. What do celebrities know anyway LOL? Not much (if that)! The benefits from HiiT are pushing yourself during the intervals but believe me - your heart rate isn't pounding away the rest of the day. I hope this helps!