High intensity interval training also known as HIIT is the latest and most popular workout craze to emerge into the spotlight. Every gym has their variety and every personal trainer made their own exercise videos based on its science. The main variations are the workout themes and names of the exercises.
The method – The high intensity workout consists of doing routines at a scale that will ultimately leave your breathless, with a small break in between that is just enough for you to get your wind back. Then doing it all over again. The process is usually a 3 minute routine with a 30 second to a minute break. Just enough time to get that quick rest and jump right back into the workout. The top HIIT workouts are from BeachBody and include staples like P90X, Insanity, and Turbo Fire. The exercises make use of your own body weight as resistance and include moves like squats, pushups, planks, and burpees with jogging recovery in between.
The science – A Hiit workout is different than a regular workout because instead of a steady pace of work, it is now a super-quick interval led pace, followed by a resting time. Then it’s all done again about 5 – 10 times. This workout brings your heart rate up, and keeps it up, making you burn more fat in less time. “A high-intensity workout increases the body’s need for oxygen during the effort and creates an oxygen shortage, causing your body to ask for more oxygen during recovery,” says Eric Salvador, NASM, NSCA, head instructor at The Fhitting Room in New York City. “This after burn effect is referred to as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) and is the reason why intense exercise will help burn more fat and calories than regular aerobic and steady-state workouts.”
Getting in shape for the summer is every man’s goal every year and is one of the top New Year’s resolutions. The workout do require a commitment like none other. It takes strength, agility, and most of all heart to push yourself to your exercise limits, catch your breath and do it all over again and again and again. But it is all worth it in the end. Nothing great ever comes easy and this is not easy at all so it must be great.
