What is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a term you would have most certainly of heard at the gym, by online fitness gurus or fellow gym-goers.

BY Dave Millward
February 15th, 2021
What is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?

But what exactly is HIIT and how can this type of training benefit you?

HIIT consists of pushing yourself to your limit with short, intense bursts of exercise (mostly body weighted), followed by a minimal rest period to ensure your heart rate remains elevated throughout. This type of training has become popular as it allows participants to maximise training efficiency without spending hours in the gym, benefiting those who have limited time due to life’s demands.

Here are some of the benefits of a HIIT workout.

  1. Increases your excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) – this means results continue after you complete the workout. This is also known as the “afterburn” effect meaning you will continue to burn an increased number of calories 48 hours after the workout has ended.
  2. Increases VO2 max – VO2max is the maximum rate at which your heart, lungs and muscles can uptake oxygen during exercise. The more efficient your V02max, the greater the ability of your body to cope with aerobic activity demands.
  3. Improves body composition – with a healthy diet, HIIT can assist with fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.
  4. Builds and strengthens muscle – HIIT training targets different muscle groups helping them to build and improve their ability to train harder and be stronger.
  5. Regulates blood pressure and glucose levels – HIIT can help lower your blood pressure and blood sugar, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

How and when?

During lockdown, we have two HIIT sessions on Mondays at 5:30pm and on Friday mornings at 8:30am, as part of our online class timetable, live on Zoom. Other classes during the week such as Body Blast, Pure Tone, Circuits, Rip and Bootcamps also contain elements of HIIT training. If you cannot participate live, click here to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we will upload the classes, so that you can still take part.

So why not give it a try and see the results for yourself?

As always, if you are unsure about any of the information above, please seek advice and contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Until then, take care and stay safe