How do you lose weight and tone up in the fastest time possible?

I get this question all the time and the answer is – High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

It’s been a ‘buzz’ word for quite a few years now but what is high intensity interval training?

In a nutshell, HIIT workouts are based around short bursts of very intense activity, alternating with periods of less strenuous activity or complete rest.

These usually involve compound, multi-directional exercises.

Here are my Top 5 Pros for HIIT Training:


1. PERFECT FOR BUSY PEOPLE

At Home HIIT Training

Let’s face it, who’s not busy these days?

Squeeze it in before work, during your lunch break, while the kids are sleeping or any time you can grab 10-20 mins.

Short, high intensity workouts are a fantastic way to give you maximum results in the shortest amount of time.


2. BURNS MORE CALORIES

Treadmill HIIT Training

Not only do you burn a substantial amount of calories during a HIIT workout but the effect of all that intense exertion kicks your body’s repair cycle into overdrive.

Cue the afterburn (aka EPOC – Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption) effect meaning you burn calories after you take your sweaty socks off.

The amount of time this ‘afterburn’ last for will vary depending on what research you read but it’s commonly claimed up to 24 hours after exercise.


3. YOU CAN PERFORM HIIT WITH OR WITHOUT EQUIPMENT

Escape Fitness HIIT Fitness

The key is to just get your body moving at maximum output.

Anything plyometric to get your heart pumping such as power lunges, squat jumps, tuck jumps or burpees will work a treat.

Sprinting, high knees and mountain climbers are also popular HIIT exercises.

Alternatively, you can purchase fitness machines with built in HIIT features, such as treadmills, rowing machines, ski-ergs, and air bikes.


4. YOU CAN DO IT ANYWHERE

HIIT Training

At the gym, home, the garden, park – literally anywhere you like.

HIIT workouts can easily be adapted to whatever time and space constraints you have.


5. IT’S CHALLENGING = NOT BORING

Escape Fitness Plyometrics

HIIT workouts are not something you can do while reading a magazine or chatting to your friend.

10 mins is not long so if you want as much bang for your buck as possible you need to work your butt off.

You’ll be breathing hard and muscles burning but you definitely won’t be bored!

So, there you have it, 5 great reasons (if you haven’t already) to introduce some HIIT workouts into your life. However, before you do, it’s important to know that it’s not all sunshine, sweat and roses.


THE CONS OF HIIT

1. It’s easy, particularly for beginners, to get injured.

2. It can cause excessive muscles soreness.

3. People get tired and lose form quickly which can cause injury and poor results.

Despite the cons, it’s undeniable that HIIT training is a highly effective and efficient way to train.

The key is to have a slow approach and make sure you work out at your own pace.

As you build a stronger, fitter body you’ll be able to push harder and get better results with less risk of injury.

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