HIIT the Fat Away
High Intensity Interval Training or more commonly known as HIIT has been getting a lot of rave reviews from fitness experts.
And with some excellent reasons!
Have you ever spent time looking for something that would help you get to your fitness related goals in half the time? Chances are, you have been looking for High Intensity Interval Training.
What is HIIT?
As you can probably tell from the name, HIIT is a super intense exercise pattern where you have to “work” for a set period of time, followed by a brief “rest” period.
When you are in the work interval, you have to give your 110% to the exercise move you are doing and then use the brief “rest” period to catch your breath. An example of an HIIT pattern could be doing as many reps of push-ups you can do in 30 seconds, immediately followed by a 20- second rest interval.
The same pattern is repeated over and over till you complete a 20-minute session. You can introduce as many exercises as you want in one cycle. One cycle can have 5 rounds. 5 rounds can have 4 moves. All those 4 moves must follow the exact work and rest period in a manner that you end up doing a 20- minute killer workout session.
The idea behind this form of interval training is giving you effective results in considerably less time; the only catch is that you will have to give it your all. It is high intensity, after all! At the end of the sessions, you will be sweating profusely but will be so, so proud of yourself.
Can Everyone Do It?
One of the main concerns regarding HIIT that most people have is that whether or not it is safe for beginners? Does it require extra endurance/stamina? Can everybody make the cut?
Actually, the thing with HIIT is that it is super easy to adjust according to your fitness levels and needs. For example, if you are just a beginner, instead of going the whole 20-minute session, you can start with a 10-minute interval session instead. Or you can stick with the 20-minute pattern, but play around with the work and rest intervals, instead. Instead of following the 30-second work, 20-second rest interval, you can start with a smaller work period instead.
As you progress and build your stamina you can adjust the workout!
If you are somebody who struggles to maintain a consistent workout routine because of your busy schedule, the HIIT is absolutely heaven sent.
Why is it So Effective?
You burn a lot of fat and lots of calories during an HIIT session.
Why do some people consider doing a 20 minute HIIT session better than spending 2 hours at the gym? It is the unique work and rest pattern that pushes your body (especially the metabolism) into beast mode. As an end result, you get to burn calories even after you are done with the workout!
There are several other awesome benefits to HIIT which make it worth your while. A healthier heart, pure fat loss, no muscle loss are just some of them!
Check our blog on how many push ups should I do.