High Intensity Interval Training – HIIT – as become a popular trend throughout the years, and for good reasons too… Like that it actually works!
So what exactly is HIIT?
Like stated its high intensity workouts that require maximum effort through quick and intense bursts of exercise with a short recovery period. Not only is it a quick and efficient workout method, but also there are many other benefits to doing a HIIT workout.
Perfect for 15-30 Minute Workouts
Like stated beforehand, it’s efficient, so if you’re someone who doesn’t always have free time –give HIIT a chance. It’s perfect for those 30-minute lunch breaks, or if you’re just looking to see results quicker. Studies have shown that doing 15 minutes of HIIT can give you almost the same, if not better, results than jogging for an hour! If 15 minutes isn’t even that quick for you, there is a Tabata training method that’s almost only 4 minutes long!
You'll Burn a Ton of Calories
Not only is it quick, but also it burns a ton of calories! When it comes to the amount you burn – think roughly ten calories per minute! Plus, it boosts your metabolism like crazy, so you’ll continue to burn calories even after your workout is finished. When going on a diet it’s sometimes hard not to lose muscle mass while shedding the fat – however, with weight training and HIIT workouts, you’re muscles aren’t at a risk to be lost, because most of the loss will come from your fat stores.
It's Good for Beginners
If you’re new to HIIT, workout at roughly once per week and eventually work your way up to three or fives times. Some safe tips to remember, too, include: warm up and cool down, definitely don’t skip the recovery periods, and don’t ever push yourself and especially if you’re sore. Remember to start slow so your endurance and ability can grow as you do. If you need modifications, do them and remember if you experience any pains to immediately cool down!
Here's Where to Start
Not sure where to start? Check to see if your local gym has any HIIT classes, or if you need to ease yourself into feeling comfortable at a class – check out some beginner YouTube videos. Daily Burn totally has a page with three quick workouts perfect for beginners! Fitness Blender also provides a page with a workout for beginners, and an entire YouTube playlist dedicated to HIIT workouts that less than ten minutes or longer than thirty. Cassey Ho via Blogilates has her own spin on things too with her PIIT (Pilates Intense Interval Training) playlist, and also supplies other HIIT videos too! Shape magazine also supplies a thirty-minute post winter slump video, and a quick major flat blasting video too.
