Understanding High Intensity Interval Training: What is HIIT?

In recent years, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained tremendous popularity in the fitness world. Loved for its time efficiency and effectiveness, HIIT is an exercise approach that alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and periods of active recovery. At Untamed Fitness, you will encounter HIIT-like workouts in both your personal training sessions as well as your group training classes. Let's dive in a little deeper on the benefits to fully understand its usefulness to achieve any of your fitness goals.

What is HIIT?

HIIT is a cardiovascular exercise method that involves short bursts of maximal or near-maximal effort followed by recovery periods. Typical workout periods will be 20-30 seconds of work followed by 10-20 seconds of rest for a set number of rounds. This training style alters the heart rate rapidly, challenging both the cardiovascular and muscular systems. HIIT workouts are AWESOME because though you probably just associate them with weight loss, they actually can be used for strength building, endurance building, weight loss, and goal-specific exercise programs.

How Does HIIT Work?

During a HIIT session, the intense intervals push your body to its maximum capacity, elevating your heart rate to a significant level. This high-intensity portion is usually followed by a period of low-intensity exercise or complete rest, allowing your body to recover before the next round. The cycle of intense exertion and recovery triggers cardiovascular health, metabolic capacity, and aerobic performance.

Benefits of HIIT:

Time Efficiency: HIIT combines short, intense workouts with short recovery periods, making it an excellent option for those with limited time for exercise.

Increased Caloric Burn: HIIT elevates your metabolic rate, leading to continued calorie burn even after the workout, promoting weight loss and fat burning.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness: HIIT improves both aerobic and anaerobic capacities, enhancing cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.

Muscle Preservation: Due to its short duration, HIIT workouts help preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss.

Adaptability: HIIT can be tailored to various fitness levels and can be done with minimal equipment, allowing for versatility in exercise choices and locations.

Incorporating HIIT into Your Fitness Routine:

Start Slow: Our OnRamp Program is designed to slowly dip your toes into fitness and train proper form and intensity level reflective of your fitness level. Once you have graduated from the OnRamp Program, you will be able to access our Group training classes. If you're new to exercise, go slow and focus on form during our intervals until you can build your endurance. Gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves.

Listen to Your Body: HIIT is intense, so pay attention to your body's signals and modify the exercises or duration as needed. Taking rest days between HIIT sessions is crucial for recovery.

Variety is Key: Keep workouts interesting by incorporating different exercises, intervals, and training formats. This will challenge your body and prevent plateauing.

HIIT is an effective and efficient training method that offers numerous benefits for overall fitness. By incorporating intense bursts of exercise into your routine, HIIT can help you maximize calorie burn, improve cardiovascular function, and enhance muscular strength. Remember to tailor workouts to your fitness level and gradually progress. With consistency and proper technique, HIIT can become a valuable addition to your fitness journey. Sign up for our Group Classes or OnRamp Program Here!