AMA #57: High-intensity interval training: benefits, risks, protocols, and impact on longevity
Peter Attia
Mar 11, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Measure max heart rate through maximal effort testing
The '220 minus your age' formula is insufficient for determining max heart rate; the only way to truly know it is to measure it during a maximal effort test.
Differentiate HIIT from sprint training for effective workouts
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is sub-maximal, while Sprint Interval Training (SIT) is a supra-maximal effort that exceeds your VO2 max power output.
Maximize effort with 10-second all-out rule
A true 'all-out' effort can only be sustained for about 10 seconds, as anything longer causes you to subconsciously hold back.
Specify effort levels and durations instead of saying 'HIIT'
Instead of using the vague term 'HIIT,' be specific about the effort level, work duration, rest duration, and number of repetitions.
Utilize power or RPE for effective training intervals
When structuring training intervals, using power (watts) or Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is more robust than relying on heart rate.
Recognize Irawa as true creator of Tabata protocol
The famous Tabata protocol was actually developed by coach Irawa, not the researcher Tabata who first authored the paper on it.
Understand that sprints don't maximize heart rate
Short, all-out sprints often result in a lower peak heart rate than longer VO2 max intervals because there isn't enough time for the heart to reach its maximum.
More from
Peter Attia
Peter’s takeaways on navigating HRT, rejuvenating the face, understanding the biology of aging, optimizing fertility, and learning to live well from the dying | Quarterly Podcast Summary #6
A new era of longevity science: models of aging, human trials of rapamycin, biological clocks, promising compounds, and lifestyle interventions | Brian Kennedy, Ph.D.
AMA #73: Preserving brain health, optimizing exercise programming, improving body composition, and more
Navigating bone health: early life influences and advanced strategies for improvement and injury prevention (#214 rebroadcast)
Skincare strategies, the science of facial aging, and cosmetic-intervention guidance | Tanuj Nakra, M.D. & Suzan Obagi, M.D.
You also might be interested in
Dr. David Sinclair: “Only 10 Minutes a Week Reverses Aging – Here’s the Proof”
Move Like An Athlete, Walk Like a Kangaroo & Use Cool Tools Like *Weighted Vests, Compression Gear & Vibration Platforms* To Transform Your Body, With Dr. Emily Splichal
Motor Unit Training and Avoiding a Major Risk of Death after 60, ft. Dr. Stanfield, Dr. Carvalho
The Importance of Weight Training, Protein, and Muscle
Are you aging faster than you should be? Find out.