What Is HIIT and How Does It Work?

Reading this blog might just make you an expert on all things HIIT, but the most important thing to remember is that It only works if you work too!

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, which means giving your all for short bursts, followed by 30 second recovery periods, before the next exercise. Reading this blog might just make you an expert on all things HIIT, but the most important thing to remember is that It only works if you work too!    

Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training

1.     Burns calories FAST

Studies show that 15 minutes of HIIT burns more calories than a whole hour of treadmill jogging; making it a super effective way of burning calories. Which might just mean you can allow yourself that little extra indulgence this Christmas time! After all, those mince pies are much more appealing when you know they can be burned off in 15 minutes.

Burn-Calories-Fast.

2.     Increases your Metabolism

Having a high or fast metabolism is often associated with being slim. Your metabolic rate is the amount of calories you burn while resting. Exercise increases your metabolic rate, so you burn more calories during exercise than you do when at rest. The best thing about HIIT is that it triggers a reaction called Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) which boosts your metabolism for up to 48 hours after a complete HIIT routine. So you can come home, put on your comfys and lounge on the soft guilt free, knowing your body is still burning calories FAST.

3.     Quick and Convenient

Say goodbye to the days of being ‘too busy’ to exercise. Most HIIT work outs are 30 minutes or less, making them super easy to make time for. So if working out isn’t your favourite pastime, or maybe there isn’t enough hours in the day, HIIT helps you get your exercise in fast.

HIIT-Training-Convenient

4.     You’re more likely to stick at it

HIIT has become a trend recently and is super popular with people of all ages. You’re less likely to get bored of hit work outs as they’re made up of a variety of different exercises for short bursts. Finally, it’s FAR less repetitive than typical low intensity exercises such as jogging and swimming. Perfect for those who get bored easily and quit!

5.     From the comfort of your home

The gym isn’t essential for this one, which is ideal for those gym dodgers amongst us. We’ve put together one for you to follow;

Do each of the following exercises with a 30 second break between each. Don’t forget to put in 100% effort during the time you are training, and really make the most of those rest periods to get the most from your work out!

·      50 Sit-Ups

·      40 Jump Squads

·      20 Jumping Lunges

·      10 Tricep Dips

·      30 second Burpees

·      30 second plank

Repeating 5 times will create a work out approximately 20 minutes long. Leaving absolutely no excuse not to tie it in to your daily routine. You’re welcome!    

HIIT-Workout-at-Home

HIIT work outs are great to combine with your usual training routine. If you’re interested in personal training and bootcamp sessions get in touch using the link below. We can work with you to develop a plan of action, and if HIIT sounds up your street, and you fancy getting to grips with it with a 1 on 1 session, let us know!