So, should you give a shit about H.I.I.T.? High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a form of cardio exercise that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits. Let’s run through what HIIT is, the benefits of HIIT, and how you can incorporate it into your fitness routine.

HIIT is a type of cardio exercise that alternates short periods of intense activity with brief periods of rest or low-intensity activity. This type of training is known to be more efficient and effective than steady-state cardio exercises like jogging or cycling. It can be done with a wide variety of exercises, such as running, cycling, swimming, and bodyweight exercises or like we do here at RevoPT with kettlebells, dumbbells and many other odd implements which make it easy to switch up your routine and avoid boredom.

Some of the many benefits of HIIT are:

1. Increased calorie burn: HIIT burns a significant number of calories in a short period of time, making it an efficient way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
2. Improved cardiovascular fitness: HIIT improves cardiovascular fitness by increasing the heart rate, which in turn improves the body’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles.
3. Increased muscle mass: HIIT can also help increase muscle mass, as it requires the body to use energy from stored glucose and fat, which can result in muscle growth.
4. Increased endurance: HIIT training can improve endurance levels, allowing you to perform a given activity for a longer period of time.
5. Better insulin sensitivity: HIIT has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
6. Increased metabolism: HIIT can help increase the body’s metabolism, which can lead to increased calorie burn even after the workout is over.
7. Time-saving: HIIT is a time-efficient form of exercise. A 20-30 minute HIIT workout can be as effective as a 60-minute steady-state cardio workout.
8. Variety: HIIT can be done with a wide variety of exercises, such as running, cycling, swimming, and bodyweight exercises, making it easy to switch up your routine and avoid boredom.
9. Flexibility: HIIT can be done at home, outdoors or in the gym, and can be modified to suit different fitness levels.

It’s important to note that while HIIT can be a very effective form of exercise, it can also be demanding on the body and should be approached with caution. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Additionally, it’s important to use proper form and to not push yourself too hard, too quickly. Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your HIIT sessions is key to avoiding injury and getting the most out of your workouts.

One of the primary benefits of HIIT is that it burns a significant number of calories in a short period of time. This makes it an efficient way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. A 20-30 minute HIIT workout can burn as many calories as a 60-minute steady-state cardio workout. Additionally, HIIT can help increase muscle mass, as it requires the body to use energy from stored glucose and fat, which can result in muscle growth.

HIIT also improves cardiovascular fitness by increasing the heart rate, which in turn improves the body’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. It has also been shown to increase endurance levels, allowing you to perform a given activity for a longer period of time. Furthermore, HIIT can help improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Another benefit of HIIT is that it can increase the body’s metabolism, which can lead to increased calorie burn even after the workout is over. This is known as the “afterburn effect,” and it can help you lose weight even when you’re not working out.

Incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine is easy. You don’t need to be a gym member or have expensive equipment to start. You can do bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, at home. You can also use resistance bands or dumbbells to add resistance to your exercises. The most important thing is to make sure that you are challenging yourself, but not pushing yourself too hard, too quickly.

Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your HIIT sessions is key to avoiding injury and getting the most out of your workouts.

HIIT offers many benefits, including increased calorie burn, improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle mass, and increased endurance. It can also help improve insulin sensitivity, increase metabolism, and boost weight loss. HIIT is a time-efficient form of exercise that can be done with a wide variety of exercises, making it easy to switch up your routine and avoid boredom. Incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine is easy, just make sure to consult with a doctor before starting and to use proper form and not push yourself too hard, too quickly.

We’re always here to help you to formulate the perfect HIIT program to suit your needs. Whether you’d like to head in and join one of our HIIT classes or for us to program something for you to do from home or your local gym anywhere in the world we’d love to help. Shoot us an email with your questions to hq@revopt.com.au