After explaining to Jason what High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is earlier this week, I decided to try it out again. I haven't done HIIT since summer of 2008, and I didn't stick to it for too long, but I was losing weight at that point. Besides the fat-burning benefits, I noticed 3 distinct pluses to HIIT this morning:
1) The workout is over super fast. I did about 20 minutes of arms on the weight machines and then hopped on the elliptical. I did a 5 minute warm up, then 5 sets of 1 minute sprint, 2 minutes recovery. At that point I was at 20 minutes, but I continued for another 6 minutes for a long cool down. Actually, my heart rate was at a good level for most of that - the cool down was just the last couple of minutes. When you're watching the clock, waiting for that next sprint, the time just FLIES by. Add some good music and it's actually fun.
2) I feel fantastic afterward! I don't know what it is, but getting revved up and pushing myself for those 5 minutes of sprints really clears my head
3) On a cold wintry morning it's a great way to build up a sweat and stay warm. Sure the waking up and changing and walking over to the gym is chilly, but during the walk back and while I'm getting ready for work, I am toasty warm.
4 comments:
Can you do HIIT on a regular basis? Because I have very limited time for workouts, so this sounds really ideal.
Donna, you can definitely do it on a regular basis, but you don't have to do it as often. You usually see HIIT done about 3 times a week coupled with a regular strength training routine.
Interesting...I will have to research this more.
You are always so on top of all this fitness stuff! I am very impressed! Seriously--even if I didn't know you--I would be checking out your blog anyway. :)
Aw, thanks Donna!
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