Watch the video above: High intensity training at any age
SASKATOON – An assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is out to prove that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is good for the body, no matter the age.
Twenty individuals, ages 55 or older, are participating in the study.
“It’s all based on whole body movements, heavy lifting, a lot of things that you would see around the strength and conditioning world so it’s a bit different then many older adults are used to,” said Dr. Scotty Butcher, U of S physical therapy assistant professor.
Butcher has done previous research on high intensity interval training but this study has split up the group and is comparing it with resistance training.
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“One of the key elements that’s missing from a HIIT type program is muscle strength and power, so what I was looking at doing was combining a method of doing both,” said Butcher.
“But not having people doing several different programs where they can get it all done in one session.”
The circuit style training has similar methods to CrossFit.
“Particularly, with the older population, that’s very important to give them high intensity work but give them enough recovery time in between intervals that they are able to perform the intervals in a safe manner,” said Butcher.
Participants train three times a week for six weeks.
Butcher hopes the study shows resistance and high intensity training are beneficial from a health and fitness perspective for everybody.
The study started in late May and should have the results by the end of July.
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