Feature Image by Maria Fernanda
HIIT – you’ve probably seen this acronym everywhere from magazines to social media, but what exactly is it anyways? For starters, it stands for high-intensity interval training, and it has become a popular workout method for shedding weight.
If you’ve never tried a HIIT workout, we break down everything you need to know below.
What is it?
HIIT is a form of cardio exercise that, as the name suggests, follows several intervals of high-intensity workouts. It typically involves alternating from cardio to some form of strength training with short rest periods in between. “HIIT workouts can be a fantastic method for burning fat, strengthening muscle, increasing your resting metabolic rate, and improving overall conditioning in less time than steady-state workouts,” says Adam Rosante, personal trainer and author of The 30-Second Body.
How does it work?
To put it simply, HIIT is broken down into two parts: a high-intensity period that increases your heart rate and a low-intensity period that brings your heart rate and need for oxygen back down. When you put both together, you create an extremely efficient fat-burning and muscle-building routine that’s more effective than maintaining an intense sweat sesh for a long period of time.
Should you try it?
If you’re new to working out, start small with simple exercises and build from there. Try a studio class, look up routines online (we’ve got some amazing HIIT workouts on FabFitFun.TV), or include slightly longer rest periods to ease your way into it. Remember, it’s a high-intensity workout, so it’s important that you’re physically and mentally prepared for the challenge!
Where can you do it?
The best part about a HIIT workout is that it doesn’t require much equipment – you can keep the strength exercises completely equipment-free! Head to the gym, go to an instructor-taught workout class, or try a HIIT workout at your local park.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
