SPRING 2019 FABFITFUN TV PARTNER

If there’s one workout method that can get you into shape (and fast), it’s high-intensity interval training. Also known as HIIT, it’s essentially a cardio workout that alternates between sprint intervals and recovery periods, which can maximize calorie burn and build endurance.

We know HIIT sounds a bit intimidating, but with the help of experts like Anja Garcia (a Nike trainer and former collegiate gymnast), it doesn’t have to be. From 30-minute dumbbell workouts to quick 10-minute Tabata routines, Garcia uses her 10 years of expertise to create HIIT workouts that work for all fitness levels. You can access her full-circuit workouts now on FabFitFunTV. If you’re not a member yet, sign up today!

Meanwhile, Garcia chatted with us about the benefits of HIIT and how she motivates herself to work out when she’s not in the mood.

How did you first discover your love for fitness and health?
I was an elite level gymnast and competed for UC Berkeley. After a career-ending injury, I started going to the rec center at Cal and took a kickboxing class. I literally thought to myself, if everyone knew how fun fitness could be, we would all be healthy and happy. I started teaching about a year after that.

What makes your workout method unique?
Being an ex-gymnast, I realize how important it is that we can not only move but move well. I program my workouts so that my clients move in all ranges of motion and utilize bodyweight as well as weighted exercises to get the best workout whether you have 10 minutes or 60 minutes.

What are some lesser-known benefits of HIIT workouts?
HIIT workouts actually cause your body to continue to burn calories after your workout is done, a phenomenon of EPOC (exercise post oxygen consumption), [which is] the ability to bring your body back to homeostasis after exercise. HIIT can increase your endurance for your longer runs and bike rides, and HIIT can be done in a multitude of ways. You can change up the timing protocol to always keep it interesting. You can do HIIT on a bike, a treadmill, with burpees, and more, making it extremely versatile.

You’re a pediatric ICU nurse, a Nike Trainer, and more, so we have to ask – how do you balance it all?
We are all busy! And when you want to do something, you do it. Period. People always ask me how I balance it and the truth is I love all of my jobs, and my health is a priority. Are there days when I get out of the hospital after working all night that I’d rather go home and sleep and not work out? You bet! But I feel better when I sweat, so I don’t skip it. When I feel good, I’m able to give the best “me” to everybody else.

What’s your favorite part about helping people get into shape?
My favorite part about helping people get into shape is helping them realize how strong they are. Sometimes people let themselves believe things: “I’ll never be able to be fit” or “I’ll never be able to do (blank) exercise.” The truth is, we really can do anything we set our mind too. Will it take hard work? Yes. Will you struggle? Probably. But when someone realizes their potential, there is no greater reward than that.

xx, The FabFitFun Team