All About HIIT Workouts
By Randi Morse
Have you ever heard of HIIT workouts? HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training, and it's been very popular since 2017. HIIT is a way to get a workout in no matter where you may happen to be or what equipment you may happen to have available to you. But what, exactly, constitutes a HIIT workout, and is it really that good for you?
Understanding HIIT
The HIIT workout involves giving a huge burst of energy during intense exercise with a small amount of recovery time between exercises. The point of HIIT training is to get your body's heart rate up. High intensity workouts make the body crave more oxygen; this causes your body to struggle to create more oxygen which helps to burn more calories and fat than traditional aerobic exercise.
HIIT Benefits
There are a number of benefits of HIIT training, including:
- Metabolism increase - The high intensity interval training actually increases your metabolic rate, which creates a boost of metabolism for close to 48 hours after your workout. This translates to more fat burning.
- Convenient - One of the great things about HIIT training is that you don't need to be at a gym to do it. Many HIIT programs rely on your own body weight to complete the exercises.
- Quick - Most HIIT workouts take 30 minutes or less, which is ideal for people with busy schedules.
- No equipment - Because HIIT workouts use your own body weight, you don't have to buy any exercise equipment. The workouts not only help to increase your heart rate, they also help to work your muscles at the same time.
Some Examples
So what does the HIIT workout look like? One great example of a do-it-anywhere HIIT workout includes doing:
- 50 sit-ups
- 40 jump squats
- 30 push-ups
- 20 split jumps
- 10 tricep dips
- 30 sec burpees
Each of these exercises is to be done on their own, getting your heart rate up while you're doing them. Once you've completed one set of exercises, rest for 30 seconds and then take a shot at the next one. Beginners can take that exercise and halve it in order to create a workout that's a little less intimidating.
Make sure you stretch before you exercise and that you speak with your doctor before starting any new routine.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bothell, Wash.