3 Tips for a Successful HIIT Workout

High intensity interval training (or HIIT) is a fast-paced, sweaty workout that pushes your limits and helps you realize your full fitness potential.

From its very name, you can tell that HIIT means  business! There’s no room for relaxing in these workouts, as HIIT challenges you to work harder, run faster, and lift more.

Breaking It Down

High intensity training involves a short burst of intense activity,  a quick period of recovery, and then another round of high intensity action. Let’s take cardio, for example.

Hop on a treadmill and warm up with a jog, then run as fast as you can for no longer than 30 seconds. Slow it back down to a jog or walk for another 2 minutes, then ramp it back up to another 30-second sprint.

Keep that pattern up for 10-20 minutes for a workout that keeps your muscles guessing, your heart pumping, and your metabolism boosting.

What’s great about HIIT is that you can achieve the same effect on a rower, stationary bike, or stair climber. Warm up, surge, slow down. Repeat.

Another benefit of HIIT? With an increased heart rate, you’ll keep burning calories even after your workout is done.

Keep These Tips in Mind

To be successful with high intensity training, bear these things in mind.

1. Beginners are welcome, but know your strengths. If you experience chronic joint pain, a treadmill may not be the best choice of equipment. Try a lower impact form of exercise such as swimming or biking. You can still employ the basic principles of HIIT and achieve the same results, but with less force on your joints.
2. Choose what you like to do. You’re more likely to stick with an activity that you’re familiar with and enjoy. Love to row? Do that! Prefer floor exercise? Find a HIIT routine that includes squats, lunges, jumps, and shoulder presses.
3. Ensure adequate recovery time. HIIT is demanding, especially if you’re new to this type of training. Make sure your bursts are no longer than 30 seconds — and start with just a few workouts each week. You want to give your muscles time to recover, and thus prevent muscle injury or strain.

You can achieve a HIIT workout either as a solo endeavor or as part of a HIIT group exercise class at our gym in Coeur d’Alene. Our instructors will challenge you and your fellow members will encourage you to push farther and work harder than ever.

The result? A stronger, leaner YOU!

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