Transform Your Fitness Routine with High Intensity Interval Training!

High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, has been recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine as one of the leading fitness trends globally. This method alternates brief periods of vigorous exercise with intervals of lighter activity or rest.

During high intensity workouts, your heart rate soars beyond 90%, propelling your body into anaerobic territory. This rapid depletion of muscle glycogen compels your body to tap into fat reserves for fuel.

What Makes HIIT So Appealing?

Efficiency

You can complete your HIIT session in under 30 minutes, which is a dream for those with limited time.

A 20-minute HIIT session is comparable to 40-50 minutes of standard aerobic exercise. This efficiency makes HIIT perfect for individuals with packed schedules seeking a quick yet effective workout.

Effectiveness

HIIT is among the most effective fitness approaches for achieving results swiftly. Your body not only burns more fat during HIIT but continues to do so for up to 48 hours post-workout. This accelerated fat burning leads to faster visible progress!

Additionally, HIIT is unique in its ability to burn fat while maintaining muscle mass, making it an ideal choice for those looking to preserve their muscle gains, such as bodybuilders.

Versatility

On a business trip and without access to gym facilities? No worries, as HIIT can be performed anywhere. As long as you can engage in high-intensity activities like sprinting, jumping jacks, burpees, or mountain climbers, you're set for a HIIT session.

HIIT Routines for Novices

Sprinting and Power Walking

This introductory routine involves sprinting at maximum speed for one minute (or a few seconds) followed by power walking for 2 minutes. Repeat this sequence five times for a quick 15-minute workout that can be done outdoors or on a treadmill.

Tabata

Tabata is a HIIT variation that involves 20 seconds of intense effort and 10 seconds of rest. This pattern is repeated eight times, totaling a 4-minute session.

The exercises for high intensity can include jumping jacks, burpees, pushups, mountain climbers, or squats. Completing a 4-minute round of each of these exercises results in a 20-minute HIIT workout. 

Cycling

You can also incorporate HIIT into your cycling routine by alternating between standing and sitting on the pedals. Stand and pedal at maximum speed for 30 seconds, then sit and pedal at a moderate pace for 30 seconds.

If you've been engaged in traditional cardio without achieving desired results, consider switching to HIIT. It could be the boost your body is looking for!