Despite what we already know about high-intensity training - or HIT - what has not been known is if HIT delivers the same results for older men and women. 

What was previously discovered about high-intensity training is that:

It is often recommended as a way to improve cardiovascular fitness in men and women.

HIT exercise can have a positive effect on a persons maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity, the pathway that cells use to metabolize energy.

Studies on these exercise regimens have focused on younger subjects.

University of Copenhagen researchers wanted to find out whether the effects were the same for older males and females as those noted in younger adults by observing obese senior males and females 62 and older. The subjects were assigned a regimen of high-intensity exercise that occurred three times per week for six weeks. Each session included five one-minute bursts of exercise performed at 125 percent of VO2max. OXPHOS was measured in the subjects muscle and abdominal fat, along with their VO2max, body composition and several other metabolic measurements before and after the exercise regimens were performed.

The Results

While males increased their VO2max and OXPHOS in the muscle and reduced their body fat percentage by the end of the six weeks, no changes were seen in females. However, female OXPHOS capacity in abdominal fat was higher to begin with, but more analysis is needed to explain the gender differences in the results.

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Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.