High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most talked-about trends in fitness right now. HIIT alternates brief, intense periods of exercise with periods of recovery. The exercises, which typically include things like burpees, mountain climbers, or high-knee kicks, are designed to get your heart pumping.
Fans of HIIT laud its many benefits, which include:
☆ Efficiency. Most HIIT exercise programs last 10-20 minutes, and advocates claim these sessions are more efficient than a traditional cardio session lasting 45-60 minutes. You work harder during a HIIT session, but you don’t work for as long.
☆ Strength-building. HIIT sessions include exercises like push-ups and tricep-dips, and so they incorporate strength-building benefits that traditional cardio sessions lack.
☆ Increased metabolism. HIIT advocates cite studies that show high-intensity interval training speeds your metabolic rate and increases your metabolism for up to 48 hours after completing your HIIT session.
☆ Staves off boredom. Because an HIIT session includes short periods of different exercises, it keeps you interested. An interested exerciser is a more invested exerciser!
☆ Portability. This is, of course, my favorite benefit of HIIT. Because HIIT sessions require no special equipment, you can do anywhere. Basically, it’s a traveler’s dream work-out. All you need is yourself and a little dedication.
Ready to try HIIT? A simple Google search will produce tons of free routines for you to try, and 12 Minute Athlete makes a free app that includes a timer and descriptions of exercises. Right now, I’m enjoying this yoga-inspired HIIT routine over on the Free People blog. Test out a few, figure out what you like, and even design your own!
Have you tried HIIT? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Image credit: Rance Costa