High Intensity Interval Training – HIIT
High intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a type of workout that includes repeated periods of high intensity effort followed by varied recovery times structured in a way to ensure you get maximum benefits from your workout in a short amount of time. It is challenging. It is not for the inexperienced or those who have never performed any similar exercise like metabolic training. You will need to be fueled properly, and have the right mindset to do well.
You may also want to get an extra boost to push through it with a pre-workout, an all natural supplement designed specifically for these types of workouts.
Benefits of HIIT
- Builds endurance
- Boosts metabolism
- Builds muscle while losing fat fast – steady cardio often only provides the latter
- Improves your cardiovascular health – it’s easier to push your body to a high level in short bursts than over a prolonged period of time
- Burns calories for hours afterward. Steady cardio only burns calories while you are performing it, like during the race or bike ride. As soon as you stop, you also stop burning extra calories.
- Is never boring!
Someone new to HIIT should start slowly. An example would be walking for 30 seconds and then sprinting for 30 seconds. Repeat this for 5 – 10 times. To progress this, you could complete more rounds of 30 seconds on/30 seconds off, extend the sprint time to 40 or 45 seconds for each round, or perform them all on an incline whether on a treadmill or outside on a street.
A complete workout program will likely include high intensity interval training, strength training, and possibly steady cardio work such as jogging, biking, or using an elliptical machine. HIIT is too challenging to perform every day, and incorporating weight-lifting and other cardio work will give you a well-rounded plan to improve your overall health and well-being.
