Why I LOVE HIIT workouts…HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, it's a training technique where you go as hard as you can for a brief amount of time, say 20 seconds of intense bursts of energy followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets your heart rate up and burns more calories in a short amount of time. That's why I love it, I mean, who wouldn't like to work-out for less time AND get BETTER results?
And guys, this can look different for everyone, depending on your fitness level and your mobility. For instance, this can look like jumping rope as fast as you can for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of jogging in place or pacing. Or, run all out for 20 seconds, followed by jogging/walking for 10 seconds.
The point is you should be extremely breathless, your muscles should be burning and you know mentally you can't push any harder. So, this all depends on your current fitness level. HITT workouts can last anywhere from 4-20 minutes, no more, if you are pushing yourself, you shouldn't be able to do anymore. If you are new to HIIT, start with 4 minutes and increase the time by 2 minutes each time or every other time.
New to HIIT? Give this one a try, you can do it anywhere.
Beginner 10 min. HIIT workout:
1. Jumping jacks
2. Jump squats
3. Tricep dips
4. Butt Kickers
Keys to making your HIIT a HIT:
1) Warm-up
2) Keep it short: 4-20 minutes
3) Have recovery time between intervals
4) Go all out, an 8 or 9 on a scale from 1-10
5) Don't over-do it: HIIT is appropriate 1-3 times/week
6) Choose simple instead of complex movements
What did you think of your first HIIT workout? Share your fav HIIT workout with us so we can give it a try!