4 Reasons HIIT Is Set To Become Your Favourite Acronym

HIIT, high-intensity interval training, is used to describe any workout which involves alternating between intense bursts of activity and less intense activity or complete rest periods. In short, it’s no stroll in the park. These are shorter sessions that leave you looking like you had just run a marathon, in a fraction of the time.  An easy point of reference is your leisurely Sunday jog. Give it a HIIT makeover by running at full speed for a minute, followed by a two-minute jog. Repeat this three times and Bob’s your uncle. You’re done and ready to have breakfast. 

This concept can be applied to just about anything. Take skipping as an example. Skip at full speed for a minute followed by a two minutes of a less intense workout such as squats. Repeat this three times and you’re done. When it comes to seeing results, if done correctly, a 15-20 minute session is all you need.  How to know if you have given it your all? Well, if you walk away looking your Sunday best, go back for round two. If you’re more likened to a drowned rat, well done you. But it’s not all scary. An elevated heart rate and plenty of sweat aside, here are four reasons why HIIT is set to become your favourite acronym.  

It’s Cost Effective 

HIIT doesn’t require an expensive gym membership or expensive equipment.  Sure you can use a variety of machines during your HIIT circuit but if a budget is on the agenda a dumbbell or skipping rope is all you need. In fact, you may not need any equipment at all. Think running, sprints, jumping lunges – any exercises that will increase your heart rate substantially mixed with rest periods in-between.  

You Burn More Calories 

A solid HIIT session will kick your body’s repair cycle into hyperdrive. In more layman’s terms, you will continue to burn calories and fat 24 hours after your session has finished. The one time you can legitimately say that you are burning calories while sitting on the couch.  

You Burn More Fat 

Dieting often involves losing muscle mass with steady cardio having the effect of shrinking those glutes you worked so hard for as well as melting that tummy fat. However, HIIT specifically targets your fat stores and is scientifically proven to burn more fat than muscle.   

It’s Time Efficient 

Busy, the number one excuse for all those failed fitness overhauls but not anymore. HIIT requires very little time. In fact, introduce just three 15-minute intervals a week and you will burn more calories than jogging for an hour. Squeeze in a session before or after work, three times a week and you will see results within 2 weeks.

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