A Quick HIIT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or in my case – complete rest. For example, a good beginner workout is sprinting as fast as you can for 30 seconds and then resting for 30 seconds. Repeat that for a total of 15 times for a 15-minute, fat melting workout. It sounds too simple to be effective, but science doesn’t play on the truth. Plus, you can be the judge of that with the amount of sweat dripping from you.

I love HIIT and it’s my preferred training style for cardio because it’s the most ideal workout for a hectic schedule. You can add it on to the end of your workouts or even fit it in between your lunch break if you wish. Research also shows that you can achieve more progress in a quick 15 minutes of interval training (done three times a week) than those who decided to run on the treadmill for an hour. Plus, according to a 2011 study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, just 2 weeks of high-intensity intervals improves your aerobic capacity as much as 6 to 8 weeks of endurance training – pretty decent, huh?!

Benefits of HIIT

• It’s efficient
• Builds a healthier heart
• You burn more fat
• You continue to burn fat and calories after your workout (now we’re talking)
• No equipment is necessary
• Your metabolism increases
• It’s challenging
• You can do it practically anywhere

With HIIT workouts only requiring a short amount of time I like to really make sure I’m including intense exercises that get my heart rate up. Give this a go the next time you to work a sweat:

3 rounds – 45 seconds on/ 15 off for each exercise 

Burpee tuck jumps
Chair toe touches
Jumping lunges
High knees
Quick pop squats (keep it low)

Repeat for 3 rounds – a total of 15 minutes.

I love hearing you guys try my workouts so keep it coming! Instagram: @hannahandfit

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