May24What is HIIT Training? HIIT Training Simplified
What is HIIT Training? That’s a term that get thrown around a lot. HIIT training is basically a form of aerobic training that is meant to be short and intense. And when we mean intense, we mean INTENSE. Hence the name ‘High Intensity Interval Training’. It involves a short burst of intense work, followed by a rest period.
So there are intervals of work and rest, usually 20/10 or something similar. Again, each work period is short and intense, aiming for a 9/10 0r 10/10 challenge.
Let’s take a look at a very basic example format:
speed squats x 20 seconds
10 second rest
mountain climbers x 20 seconds
10 second rest
skaters x 20 seconds
after completing all 3 exercises, rest for 30-45 seconds and repeat for a total of 4 rounds.
The above is a very basic example with random exercises thrown in, but you get the idea. Each exercise is done with maximum intensity (while still maintaining good form on movements), and the rest period at the end of each round is longer.
Completing 4 rounds would only take 5-6 minutes, which might not seem like much, but the intensity of the workout should be at the point of not needing more than that. It’s great for those that don’t have much time in the day to commit a longer training session to, and it can be done pretty much anywhere.
With a proper warm-up and cooldown, a HIIT session only has to be about 20 minutes in length. Perfect for a lunch break workout or something you can squeeze in at home before work, or on vacation if you don’t have access to a gym.
Keep It Simple and Low Impact
A good point to remember about these types of workouts: keep the exercises simple enough that you can perform them quickly with good form, and choose something that is relatively low impact to avoid unnecessary joint stress.
With these types of workouts, fatigue sets in quickly. With fatigue comes the unfortunate potentiality to have your form break down, so make sure to pick exercises that don’t involve complicated movements or high impact. Both of these things require close attention and technique.