GIVE HIIT A GO!
The days of running countless hours on the treadmill are slowing coming to an end and many of us are giving the very popular method of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) a go.
So for those of you who are not sure what HIIT involves, listen up. HIIT consists of short interval bouts of exercise performed at max effort, followed by short recovery periods which can be active. As a result of training at a higher intensity your body is able to still burn calories even after you leave the gym! This occurs because your body struggles to shuttle enough oxygen to the working muscles during the high intensity periods aka Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). EPOC is the amount of oxygen required to restore your body to its normal, resting state.
HIIT training is time efficient for those individuals who have a hectic lifestyle, little equipment is required (if any) and all exercises are effort based and can be modified to all individuals.
Here are some of the benefits of HIIT as stated by ACSM;
- Improves Aerobic and Anaerobic fitness
- Decreases Blood Pressure
- A Stronger and Healthier Heart
- Improves Insulin Sensitivity
- Decreases Body Fat
Example of a HIIT workout;
- Mountain Climbers
- Shuttle sprints
- Crunches
- Walkouts
- Burpees
Try these 5 exercises for 30s back to back with 3mins rest after each set. Repeat 3/5times. This will certainly get your heart rate up and lungs puffing.
In my opinion HIIT training is far more enjoyable than low intensity exercise, as you are able to create your own workout and exercise anywhere you like. The fact that you can complete a workout in 20 minutes and get a big sweat on is a great way to be time efficient as well as burning calories for a long period afterwards.
Give HIIT a go and let me know how you get on.
Dan Phoenix
Exercise Specialist
Better Body Group, Sevenoaks
