So what is HIIT? This is a fairly broad term for workouts that involve short periods of intense exercise alternated with recovery periods. These recovery periods DO NOT mean you just stop and stand around gasping for air. This is something like 30 seconds of an all out, give it all you have sprint followed by a 45 second to one minute brisk walk - not some slow trudge walk. Keep your heart rate up still!
HIIT doesn't just involve sprinting/walking, it can be done on a stairclimber, or it can be done on an elliptical or even with your favorite movements (burpees, high knees, push ups, etc.).
Tabata is another great HIIT style workout. This involves 20 seconds of intense work followed by 10 seconds of rest. This is repeated 8 times then a one minute total rest break is taken. Five rounds of this gives you a twenty minute workout. If you want a 30 minute workout, then do 6 rounds - fairly simple.
An example Tabata workout is listed above in the graphic.
Benefits of HIIT workouts:
- Burn a lot of calories in a shorter amount of time
- Metabolic rate is higher for hours after completing HIIT
- It can help you lose fat
- You *might* gain muscle depending on the exercises you perform
- Improve Oxygen consumption
- Reduce heart rate and blood pressure
- Blood sugar can be reduced
What's your favorite HIIT workout?
