What is HIIT? by Greg McKenzie
High Intensity Interval Training is a certain type of routine used in training primary focused on those trying to lose fat. There are many distinct goals and differences this type of routine has that makes it stand out from all the others.
Only 20 minutes is needed not including warm ups and cool downs. Twenty minutes may not seem like much time, but if done correctly, this workout will exhaust you. High Intensity Interval Training’s goal is to maintain an anaerobic state over a period of time. Allowing you to sprint harder for longer periods, it’s designed with rest intervals. Depending on how fast you were, for example, if you were to sprint for 100 meters, you would go full out for about 15 seconds. Start out at only about 4 to 6 minutes if you are a beginner, but an advanced High Intensity Interval Training routine will eventually allow you to go all out for 7 to 8 minutes.
High Intensity Interval Training allows for a range of different activities. Using the largest muscle groups in your body safely is important when choosing an activity. The energy source found inside the muscle is tapped by the High Intensity Interval Training. Your benefits increase with an increase in the size of the exercised muscle group.
Sprinting is the ideal choice for High Intensity Interval Training. Pick another activity if you have injuries or problems which may prevent you from sprinting. One excellent option is using a stationery spinning bicycle.
High Intensity Interval Training routines are not designed to be done on consecutive days. The goal of a workout is to operate at quite a high intensity. In order to maintain this level of exertion, put as much effort as possible into your reps. This is when High Intensity Interval Training is at its most productive. After working out, give your muscles time to regain energy. You have a much greater chance of injuring yourself if this doesn’t happen, and you will not be able to workout with as much intensity as before. The more rested you are, the more intensity you can put into your workout, getting the benefits in your body during your rest period.
It was believed that doing High Intensity Interval Training on an empty stomach was the optimal method for maximum fatloss. However, new studies have shown that this is not the case. Before you exercise, make sure you eat something balanced and easily digestible; also ensure that your meal is not too heavy before you exercise.
One of the goals of High Intensity Interval Training is for continuous improvement, never to hit a wall, or plateau. High Intensity Interval Training capitalizes on your body’s natural ability to continuously adapt to increasing levels of demand; because of this innate ability, your body inevitably will adapt to whatever you demand of it. Your goal results will not be as quick if this occurs. Avoid this by keeping your body guessing. After eight weeks on one High Intensity Interval Training program, take a week off and start a different routine. There are many options available.
To find the secrets to High Intensity Interval Training visit IntervalTraining.net
About the Author
Greg McKenzie is the creator of IntervalTraining.net, the most complete resource on Interval Training and HIIT on the Internet