HIIT Training or High-Intensity Interval Training is a fast-paced high-speed workout that combines a mixture of body weight in conjunction with lightweight exercises that are designed to increase the heart rate and bodies metabolic rate in order to burn calories! The workouts run anything from 10 to 45 minutes, and sets are structured to be completed in short quick bursts.
When it comes it HIIT there is really no excuse not to workout, why? Because HIIT can be done, anywhere any time! Furthermore, HIIT has a ton of added benefits and has been proven to help those reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance, this has been seen in all type of individuals not just diabetics.
So how does it work exactly?
The concept is to make the body work hard during short workouts with short breaks, causing the body to work harder than it usually does during its steady-state cardio function. What’s even more beneficial about HIIT, is that your bodies metabolic rate will continue to burn calories, even after you’ve stopped working out! Meaning that you will be losing weight, while you’re at work, picking up the kids or even sleeping!
More so, HIIT trains the body to endure the high-intensity workouts, as well as the quick recovery! Meaning the more you do it; the better equipped your body will become to the exercises! This means you get fitter, stronger; faster!
So what are some of the exercises that a HIIT workout can encompass? Here are just some of the things you can do, at home, in a park or even at work (when your boss isn’t around).
- Burpees
- Pull-ups
- Jumping Jacks
- Skipping
- Plank
- Push-ups
- Mountain Climbers
- Dips
- High Knees
- Resistance bands- Curls, Lunges
- Short Sprints
- Squat Jumps
- Lunges
- Calf Raises
- Crunches
- Sit-ups
- Bicycle Crunches
- Half Burpees
- Sledge Training
- Box Jumps
Now, we have all heard of at least 5 of these exercises and that is all you need to begin your workout journey! Start with five exercises, and increase the number of repetitions (reps) and sets that you do each time. The goal is to do as many reps as you can, work out until exhaustion or failure!
If you’re new to HIIT, or just getting back into training its recommended to start off slow and build up your tolerance, remember short quick exercises, followed by short quick rest periods and then repeat! Remember it’s important to modify your training to suit your needs and personal conditions, workouts can always be tweaked and modified to suit any situation or circumstance!
In conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet, HIIT training is the ultimate workout to get you ready for summer! With benefits like;
- Ease and Time Efficient
- Aide in Weight Loss
- Aide in Muscle Gain
- Improved Oxygen function
- Aide in Reducing Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
There are really no more excuses not to start your exercise journey today! HIIT can be done individually or in groups, here at Foundry Fitness we offer 45-minute group HITT classes weekly designed to get you sweating!