If you’ve found yourself wondering, “does HIIT increase cortisol?”

you’re not alone.

We break it down once and for all.

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Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

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woman sweating in the gym

owner and personal trainer atBody by Hannah Studioin Cleveland, Tennessee

First things first: What is HIIT?

Okay, so what is cortisol?

Whats the connection between HIIT and cortisol?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Generally, the more intense and longer the intervals, the greater the increase in cortisol, she continues.

This brief, intermittent stress triggers a healthy, adaptive response in the body.

So can prolonged periods of mental stress, anxiety, or illness.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

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owner and personal trainer atBody by Hannah Studioin Cleveland, Tennessee

Whos most prone to being affected by increased cortisol levels when they do HIIT?

For most healthy individuals, HIIT temporarily spikes cortisol, which then decreases after a period of rest.

Once youve built basic aerobic conditioning, your cortisol will spike less during HIIT, she continues.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Light-intensity activities like walking or yoga can also speed recovery, she says.

How do you know how much HIIT to do?

This volume will allow you to experience the positive benefits of HIIT without risking overtraining, she says.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

How to recover

When it comes to HIIT, more isnt necessarily better.

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