Keep reading to learn how HIIT can help transform your body.
Fitness fads come and go, but this technique called High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is here to stay.
What is HIIT?
HIIT uses a combination of quick intervals of intense exercise and short recovery periods to increase your heart rate, burn fat and work muscles in a short amount of time.
In fact, HIIT is becoming the go-to training method for many professional fitness instructors. The allure lies in the ability to complete an entire workout in less than 20 minutes and burn fat while preserving muscle.
This type of training burns more fat than a regular 45 minute cardio session since it keeps your heart rate up and gives your metabolic rate a boost.
What the experts say about HIIT?
Mike Volkin, creator of HIIT the Game, now on Kickstarter states “HIIT is just fun, it’s a fun way to mix up any routine and it can be done by just about anyone, and anywhere.”
A study performed at Laval University in Canada used two groups of participants. One group followed a 15-week program using HIIT while the other group performed only steady-state cardio for 20 weeks.
The steady-state cardio group actually burned 15,000 calories more than the high intensity group. But, the high intensity group lost significantly more body fat. There are many scientific studies with similar results.
Aside from being quick and very effective at both burning fat and increasing metabolism, high intensity interval training is appealing to many because no equipment is required.
How do you perform HIIT?
This training method uses body weight exercises so a workout can be done anywhere from a gym to at home in the living room.
Another great aspect of high intensity interval training is variety. Everyone has complained that their workout routine gets boring and stale after a while, but with high intensity interval training it doesn’t have to be that way.
You can change things up and try something new every week if you want. Variety not only maintains enthusiasm during training but it will benefit the body immensely through a process called muscle confusion.
Targeting a wide array of muscle groups and performing different exercises regularly is going produce results fast.
Last but not least
Even though HIIT workouts are short, usually 20 minutes, they actually improve endurance.
HIIT works, if you’re skeptical, give it a try for a week and see how you feel, at the very least, it is a great plateau breaker of your current routine.
What’s your favorite HIIT routine?
About the author
This article was authored by Michael Volkin, inventor of Strength Stack 52 bodyweight fitness cards and the all new HIIT the Game.
Michael Volkin has been a contributor to this blog for quite some time and is an expert on fitness and exercise.
21 Replies to "How HIIT Will Transform Your Body"
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
February 19, 2015 (7:15 am)
I’m curious to see how that game will go-fun idea. Hiit workouts are great.
o
Pragati // Simple Medicine
Twitter: pragatigusmano
February 19, 2015 (9:30 am)
I have been incorporating HIIT into my workouts lately and I’ve never felt better. I love it!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
February 19, 2015 (9:51 am)
It’s tough but you feel good.
Annmarie
Twitter: fitfoodiemama
February 19, 2015 (3:25 pm)
Love HIIT workouts! They are so effective!
o
Aimee
Twitter: fortybyfortyfit
February 19, 2015 (6:45 pm)
I used HIIT workouts when I was trying to lose the last bit of baby weight. I loved that I could get a super intense, effective workout in and then get on with my day. It really helped me shed fat & build muscle at the same time. 🙂
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
February 19, 2015 (8:01 pm)
Aimee it is very effective but you have to dig deep.
Kathryn
Twitter: Dancing 2 Running
February 19, 2015 (10:04 pm)
There are way too many trends and fitness fads circulating around, its just impossible to keep track of and be knowledgeable of all of them! I still don’t understand the difference between HITT and general speed work. What is it that I’m missing?
o
Joli Tripp
Twitter: jolitripp
February 20, 2015 (1:36 am)
My new Tabata class includes HIIT and it is going to kill me! But i love it (when it’s over).
o
Kelly
Twitter: GFGKelly
February 21, 2015 (11:38 pm)
I’m a believer in HIIT!
o
Victoria March 19, 2016 (9:03 am)
Great article. Sharing with my sister who is doing a HIIT 6-week challenge and loving it. Visiting from Saturday Sharefest.
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
March 19, 2016 (9:25 am)
Oh nice!!!
Lorna Croswell March 25, 2016 (6:52 pm)
HIIT is so perfect for us active moms! You get a FANTASTIC workout in a short amount of time (like nap time) and can mix it up to keep it fun.
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
March 25, 2016 (6:59 pm)
It’s effective for sure!!
Brian DePersis November 29, 2016 (11:43 am)
I agree, and have posted on my own blog about HIIT. Old school working out from the 80’s is inefficient. I also use some HIIT principles with my students in PE.
o
Ana Clara Retic May 5, 2017 (2:09 pm)
The HIIT modality was the only one that really brought visible results to my body.
I spent about 7 years overweight and even attending gyms 2 to 3 days a week my body remained the same.
I started to do HIIT and the first results were already noticed with 15 days of exercises, my measurements were already reducing and a lot, especially in the abdomén that was where I had a greater concentration of fats.
Super Highly recommend. HIIT is for anyone who really wants to toast it all!
o
Ana Maria August 3, 2017 (8:09 pm)
Is a great form of physical activity I started to have good results when I joined this training format, great article congratulations
3weekmiraclediet December 4, 2017 (2:59 am)
I am impressed with this HIIT and look forward for fun exercises to destroy body fats. My legs doesn’t give partnership with me , I feel so tired and down due to exercises and cycling. just treadmill for 10 minutes and I am done and down to bed, Help me ANA .
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