HIIT Training – Get in the Best Shape of your Life

Anyone who is serious about losing weight simply must read this article to discover what could potentially be the key to achieving the best shape of your life.

In today’s world when people outline their fitness goals they often want to see results fast.

Although we all understand just how important nutrition is when it comes to losing weight there’s still some confusion about the type of exercise to prioritize and just how often you should be doing it if you’re going to see real results.

Group of Females Engaged in a HIIT Session

Well in this article we’re going to clear some of that up, by taking a closer look at the benefits of HIIT training as we assess whether or not this could be the magic pill you’ve been searching for when it comes to losing weight and getting into the best shape of your life.

What is HIIT Training?

Short for High-Intensity Interval Training, HIIT involves set periods of work at a higher intensity, typically above 70% of your heart rate max followed by a lower period of work, often between 60%-70% of your heart rate max.

The session can take on many different forms with some workouts lasting 10 minutes or more advanced workouts lasting up to 45 minutes but they typically land in the 30-minute range.

HIIT can take place in a range of environments and many group exercise classes and Bootcamps make use of the principles of HIIT training with some even branding their classes as specific HIIT sessions.

It’s also possible to complete a HIIT style workout on a piece of equipment of your choice, whether working out at the gym, at home.

A huge benefit of HIIT training is that it does not rely on equipment, making it very popular with people who enjoy bodyweight-only workout sessions or who don’t have much equipment.

The idea of HIIT is simple, work your butt off for the designated time, then lower the intensity before doing it all over again.

Who is it For?

HIIT training can be done by anyone, no matter the fitness background.

Although the more advanced versions will see participants running, jumping, pushing, and pressing, sessions can be adapted and you can always complete a shorter workout before moving on to the more advanced sessions.

The thing to remember, especially if you’re new to HIIT, is that you’re working at a higher intensity than you’re probably used to, so although the first session may feel difficult, it’s simply because it’s something new.

The important thing to remember is that it does get easier.

What Equipment do you Need?

You don’t actually need any equipment to complete a HIIT training session, which is just another reason why it’s become so popular. In fact, the last few years have seen a surge in activity from fitness coaches and online trainers who run live classes who specialize in bodyweight-only sessions.

Of course, it doesn’t mean you can’t use equipment and if you have it to hand it could be a great way to challenge yourself.

Incorporating weights, steps, balls, and other accessories can help to make HIIT classes more enjoyable and help to keep sessions fresh.

HIIT is also being increasingly used by cardio fans who want a way to spice up their sessions on the treadmill or when using the exercise bike or rowing machine.

Truth is, as long as you have a way of tracking your blocks of work (perhaps in 30-second intervals) and you’re raising your heart rate, following the principles of HIIT, then you don’t need to worry about anything else.

What are the Benefits of HIIT Training?

Doesn’t require equipment – We’ve already mentioned this so we’ll get this one out of the way right now. The best training tool you could ever ask for is the human body and so long as you can run, jump, squat or perform any other type of bodyweight exercise, you can successfully perform a HIIT training session. Being able to lift, push, and control your own body weight is a huge skill and can lead to big results.
You can do it anywhere – All you need is your body right? So it makes sense that you can complete a training session anywhere. Sure you could go to the gym or your local park Bootcamp but there’s also nothing stopping you from performing a HIIT session in your bedroom, garden, or garage.
Short and sweet – A huge benefit of HIIT training is just how quickly you can accomplish your goals. Whereas a normal gym session may take 45-60 minutes, you can be in and out of a regular HIIT class inside 30 minutes, if you do it at home you could be done even sooner. This is all great news for those that are looking for the quickest way to get the most results and means you can say goodbye to missing your workout as everyone can find 20-30 spare minutes a day.
Increased calorie burn – The high intensity of HIIT workouts allows you to burn far more calories during a standard 30-minute session than you would when running, biking, or lifting weights. As a calorie deficit is the primary factor for losing weight this greatly increases your chance of achieving a calorie deficit and losing weight much faster than if you were to complete any other type of exercise.
Increase metabolism – You will also benefit from an increased metabolic rate, for hours after you have finished your session. This means that you will continue to burn calories long after you have finished exercising. An increased calorie burn, after exercising, is a common benefit associated with lifting weights, so the fact that HIIT training also shows the same benefits is a huge plus for anyone that is considering how to spend 30 minutes.
It’s adaptable – The key thing to remember about HIIT is that you’re working at an increased intensity, for you. You don’t have to compete with anyone else and although you may not be able to accurately track and monitor your heart rate during a session, you can identify when you’re giving your all and working hard, which when it comes to HIIT, is the key thing.

How Can This Help you to Get in Shape?

When you put it all together and take a closer look at the benefits of HIIT you can see just how powerful it can be, for you and your weight loss goals.

You’re able to burn more calories in a shorter period when compared to other forms of exercise and you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment to do it.

Sessions can take place anywhere, and you can often finish in fewer than 30 minutes.

When performed regularly (minimum 3 times a week) and combined with a healthy diet you shouldn’t be shocked to see fantastic results in a very short space of time as a result of your new training regime.

ConClusion

Different forms of exercise can offer different benefits but when looking for a way to purely burn calories and lose weight, it’s hard to look past the benefits of HIIT.

You will burn more calories than other forms of exercise and with a range of exciting adaptations, including adding weights or using exercise machines you can ensure you never get bored of completing a session.

Of course, it should be noted that HIIT training can be difficult when you first start out and that some people may find it harder than others, but once you’ve got your groove and you also add healthy meals into the mix, then HIIT training could prove to be the best thing you ever did for your fitness and long-term health.