Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
HIIT, otherwise known as high intensity interval training, is one of the most efficient workouts you can do. It consists of short bursts of exercises to get your heart rate up, followed by a short recovery time. Types of HIIT workouts include sprinting (e.g. 30 seconds as fast as you can, 30 seconds rest), plyometric exercises, tabata training and more.
HIIT has become much more popular and recognized over the years. Why is that? What is so great about this type of training?
- Only requires a short period of time. I don’t know about you, but steady state cardio can get a little boring sometimes. The great thing about HIIT workouts is you only need 20 minutes or less to get in an effective workout. Since it is a higher intensity, that is all you will need, trust me.
- Burns fat. High intensity interval training uses your fast-twitch muscle fibers, which keeps muscle intact. Muscle burns fat, so a type of cardio that doesn’t eat away at your muscles will help you burn more fat overall.
- Boosts your metabolism. This type of training kicks your metabolism in to high gear. Since you are doing an anaerobic workout, it helps you burn fat and calories after your workout. Not only are you burning during the workout, but also at rest, you will be burning more than you would without it.
- It is challenging. No matter what type of HIIT exercise you decide to do, if you do it right … it’s sure to challenge you. Give it your all during the short period of time, and it will be over before you know it.
Do you do HIIT?
What is your favorite way to do it?
3 Comments