So, what is HIIT?
It stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It’s a different way of exercising; working at high intensity for short periods of time.
What does the research say?
Research has proven that there are benefits of HIIT over conventional exercise
Aerobic fitness has been found to significantly increase after minimal sessions of HIIT.
Anaerobic fitness- HIIT is far superior for developing anaerobic fitness and increasing your lactic threshold.
Increased skeletal muscle adaptions
HIIT increases the amount of mitochrandria found in muscle cells.
This helps improve aerobic fitness and improves the muscles ability to process fuel so that it occurs faster and more efficiently.
Fat Loss
HIIT sessions result in more abdominal fat loss than moderate intensity continuous exercise, when volume is taken into account.
For the very best fat loss results though, a combination of ‘normal’ exercise plus HIIT is recommended.
Time factor
If you have little time, and believe that you can’t fit in any exercise, you are wrong,!
A 12 minute HIIT session is equivalent to a 20 minute run
Variety
You can complete a HIIT session anywhere with, or without, equipment and tailor it to your sport or goal.
If you’re still unsure of whether HIIT works then take a look at the following TV programmes on the BBC iPlayer:
- Twinstitute episode 3
- Michael Molsey series on the truth about getting fit.
They both confirm that HIIT will get you fitter faster.
HIIT is not for everyone
For a session to be called HIIT you must work at 80 to 100% effort. This is challenging, and you may have health issues that mean you may have to start at a lower intensity.
Check with your GP if you are thinking of starting a HIIT course.
Additionally, your Trainer should go through a full health consultation with you before you start your first session.
What will a 20 x minute HIIT session consist of with ‘Stressfree’?:
3 minute warm up, 12 minutes of intense workout and a 5 minute cool down and stretch