What Is High-Intensity Interval Training? A Quick Guide

Did you know that around half of all Americans want to lose weight by exercising more and eating better?

Making these lifestyle changes proves to be a difficult task for a lot of people because bad habits stick. Not only do you have to develop the willpower to hold yourself accountable, but you also need to find the time to incorporate exercise into your busy schedule.

One of the most popular fitness trends is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) because it packs an amazing workout in a small dose. What is High-Intensity Interval Training exactly? Keep reading for the ultimate guide.

What Is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?

Lots of people have heard of High-Intensity Interval Training, but not as many actually understand what it means. HIIT is when you alternate between vigorous exercises with rest breaks.

The key to doing HIIT the right way is to push yourself to at least 80% of your maximum energy output so that you can exhaust yourself without overdoing it. By following up these bursts of exercise with rest breaks, your body can recover for the next cycle.

There’s still a lot of debate when it comes to the right workout to rest interval, so you can feel free to experiment. To start off, you can try alternating between 30 seconds of intense exercise and 15 seconds of rest. The ideal High-Intensity Interval Training workout tends to last 30 minutes or less.

What Are the Best High-Intensity Interval Training Benefits?

High-Intensity Interval Training sessions are vigorous, so you can reach your fitness goals fast. While HIIT workouts can last up to 30 minutes, you can still thrive by exercising as little as 10 minutes a day as long as you put all of your effort into the training sessions. As a result, you could end up building as much stamina as someone who exercises at a moderate level for an hour each day.

HIIT is great for people who want to lose weight. You won’t have to spend hours in the gym since these workouts will have you pouring sweat. As your fitness levels increase, you’ll notice that you’ll be able to reach new heights during your exercises.

If you’re still not convinced, it’s helpful to know that HIIT revs your metabolism in a way that low-intensity workouts can’t. Even though you only have to spend a few minutes of your day working out, your body will continue burning calories for hours afterward.

What Types of High-Intensity Interval Training Workouts Can You Do?

One of the most basic HIIT workouts is running and walking, but this doesn’t mean you’re stuck with one option. The coolest thing about High-Intensity Interval Training is that you can apply this strategy to any type of workout. Whether you’re passionate about one activity or you’re someone who needs variation to avoid getting bored, anyone can enjoy HIIT.

Since High-Intensity Interval Training is taxing on both the body and mind, it’s motivating to work out in supportive social settings like at Forward Thinking Fitness. Whether you join a group class or get one-on-one training, it’s nice to have someone by your side to keep pushing you to your limits. This is a wonderful way to hold yourself accountable if you’re serious about getting results.

You also have the option of doing at-home HIIT workouts if you’re one of the many people who feel intimidated by exercising in public. Whether you love dancing, cycling, bodyweight exercises, kickboxing, or more, there’s a HIIT activity designed for you.

What Are the Risks of High-Intensity Interval Training?

With so much to gain from High-Intensity Interval Training, you might be curious about any potential risks. All types of workouts come with the risk of getting injured, but it’s easier to hurt yourself when you’re exerting yourself so much.

To minimize your risk of getting injured, it’s crucial to stretch and give yourself time to warm up and cool down. While you may be tempted to tune out during these vigorous exercises, you always need to stay in touch with your body and how you feel. If something seems off during your workout, adjust your movements or stop.

Giving yourself at least one rest day per week will also allow your body to recover and get stronger. If you don’t like the idea of having a complete rest day, then you can do a gentle exercise like yoga to keep your muscles loose.

What Are Some High-Intensity Interval Training Tips?

In order to get the most out of your High-Intensity Interval Training sessions, you need to maintain a good exercise to rest ratio. This is why it’s smart to keep a timer on hand so you know when to switch. Setting up a loud buzzer can help you stay focused on your workouts instead of needing to check the timer often.

Creating an epic workout playlist can inspire you to give your best effort. Research has shown that catchy music boosts our energy and helps us exercise longer.

Wearing high-quality workout gear that supports your body and keeps you comfortable will help you endure these tough workouts. The most important piece in your wardrobe is your shoes since you’ll need to reduce the impact of your explosive movements.

Did You Enjoy This High-Intensity Interval Training Guide?

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is High-Intensity Interval Training?” now you know all the facts. Since HIIT can revolutionize your fitness routine, it’s worth giving it a shot.

Was this High-Intensity Interval Training advice helpful to you? If you’re passionate about feeling good, then you need to keep up with the latest health trends. Bookmark our blog and check back every week so you can always stay up to date on wellness news.