High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Why YOU Should be Doing More

What is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) you ask? HIIT is a specific form of training in which you do short periods of near, to all out effort exercise, followed by very limited rest periods. HIIT cranks up your metabolism and makes your body work extremely hard to ensure a massive caloric torch (both during and after your workout). And the best thing about this type of training: the workouts are relatively short in length, but are more effective than longer, steady paced workouts.

So what does HIIT do to your body and why is it so effective?

HIIT gets your body to push its anaerobic threshold (without oxygen), and forces lactic acid into the muscles, creating your body to fight to return to its normal state. When this happens, your body is working as hard as possible to return its oxygen levels and in turn, creating a higher caloric burn both during and up to 24 hours after your workout according to the Daily Burn.

HIIT is so effective because these workouts can be done anywhere, with limited to no equipment, and take a fraction of the time to do them. A great form of HIIT training is Tabata. Tabata is where you push yourself with a high intensity exercise for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest for a total of 4 minutes. Try this HIIT style and watch your heart jump through your chest and the fat melt off.