Bootcamp, cardiotone, conditioning, bodysculpt, circuits. they all have something in common. They all involve HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training. High intensity interval training has been a massive trend in the fitness industry in recent years with classes and studios popping up everywhere. There is science to back up its effectiveness and professionals have been basing their classes off of it for years. You may have been doing it in class for a long time, but why has it been so effective?
HIIT training is focussed on quick periods of intense activity followed by a rest or lighter activity. These intervals can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 1 or more minutes followed by a typically shorter rest period. The idea of HIIT training is to keep your heart rate elevated over a long period of time. In an average HIIT class, you can expect your heart rate to remain elevated throughout the entire workout to maximize your calories burned throughout the whole class, session, or hour. HIIT has been one of the newest trends in fitness, and there’s a reason for that. With brief intervals of intense exercise, the heart rate can remain elevated in order to increase the body’s metabolic rate in order to lose weight. This can also improve performance by strengthening your cardiorespiratory fitness. This can help you feel better with everyday exertion as well as helping you last longer in intense workouts.
All in all HIIT training is a trend that should be here to stay. With proper instruction and a solid work ethic, HIIT training is a great way to get your workout in while having some fun along the way. Remember to keep your heart rate up and your spirits high and you’ll be working out like a champion in no time!