What Is HIIT?

HIIT stands for “high intensity interval training” and is a great workout method to build and maintain muscle. As the name suggests, HIIT workouts involve short bursts of high intensity full body exercises followed by a short rest. These workouts can have various work to rest ratios, but rarely will the working period be over 45 seconds so that the individual can give maximum effort during the working time.

Because they are comprised of bodyweight exercises, HIIT workouts can be done anywhere without equipment, but if you want to add on, various equipment can be used to enhance the workout including weights, resistance bands, steppers, treadmills, etc. The key to a successful HIIT workout is the intensity. The structure is intended to give the participant opportunities to go hard during the working periods and then recover during the rest periods. It’s important not to do HIIT workouts every day to give your body time to recover between workouts. 

Benefits of HIIT workouts can include: 

• High metabolic rate hours after exercising 
• Improved oxygen consumption and blood flow to muscles
• Reduced resting heart rate
• Lowers blood sugar levels 

Some examples of HIIT exercises can include: 

• Mountain climbers
• High knees
• Butt kicks
• Plank up-downs
• Air squats
• Burpees