HIIT IT HARD

High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, has become all the rage in the fitness industry over the last few years. HIIT describes any workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest.  There are many reasons for its popularity.

• No equipment is required.  You can get an intense workout just from using your body and it can be done anywhere, from your living room to a park.
• It's efficient for those with busy schedules as HIIT workouts can completed in short blocks of time.
• It preserves muscle and helps burn fat.
• It's heart healthy, can improve blood pressure and insulin sensitivity (which helps the exercising muscles more readily use glucose for fuel to make energy) 

​​
HIIT does have a lot of benefits, but is it right for YOU?  

The first thing to understand is that HIIT intervals are performed at 80% to 95% of a person’s estimated maximal heart rate which means giving it your all!  You have to WORK and WORK HARD.  If you're new to HIIT, take it slow.  The second thing to consider is your diet plan.  If you cringe at the idea of eating carbs, this type of exercise is not for you. You simply cannot workout at the intensity required by HIIT without glucose in your system and if you don't have carbohydrates in the diet to any extent you will not have the resources to complete the session.  You have to FUEL your body!  Finally, what are your fitness goals?  If you're hitting the weights hard looking to put on muscle mass and doing multiple HIIT sessions in the week, you may be at risk of overtraining.  Listen to your body.  If you're strength is lagging, REST.  If your goals are to boost your anaerobic capacity, improve your speed and sports performance, and get in the best shape of your life, then YES, HIIT is for you!  Remember, as with any workout, make sure to keep proper form to avoid injury.

Try this workout and find out just what you're made of!

HIIT WORKOUT (click the blue links to watch videos on how to do each exercise)
>Burpees
>Jump Squats
​>Jump Lunge to Feet Jack
​>Mountain Climbers
>High Knees
Repeat rounds 3 times with 1 minute of work and 30 seconds rest between each exercise.

​

---