HIIT Training

High-Intensity Interval Training - You've probably heard about - if you've experienced it, you probably remember feeling like the end was far too near! You could feel your pulse in your head and most definitely questioned whether you were going to throw up or not!

If you are new to fitness - do not be afraid. This is how you are supposed to feel should you ever add some HIIT training into your workout routine. Whether you train alone or decide to attend a group fitness HIIT class, its tough - but it gets the job done in 30 minutes!!

A typical HIIT class or routine involves an express warm up designed to warm the body quickly - you then delve into the most toughest and sweatiest 30 minutes of your life. Pushing your body beyond boundaries you never believed you could cross - and that is the beauty of HIIT. An express 30 minute workout sometimes even more effective than a brutal 60 minute workout! Who doesn't love the idea of that? 60 minute results in half the time!

So how does HIIT training work?

In it's essence HIIT training creates a shortage of oxygen in the body whilst you push your body to the extreme. The body then works on overtime to replenish this oxygen during recovery. This is the after burn effect and they call it EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption). EPOC is the reason you can still continue to burn fat and calories hours AFTER your HIIT training! EPOC speeds up your metabolic rate which basically causes a metabolism boost in your body for up to 48 hours after an intense HIIT workout. 

Not only does HIIT increase your metabolic rate - it is also pretty convenient. With only 20-30 minutes you can spike your metabolism and get the same if not better fitness results than a whole 60 minute workout.

Whats also great is that if you are working out at home - you don't need any equipment to complete a HIIT workout! HIIT workouts mostly focus on raising your heart rate and keeping it high. This is what creates EPOC and burns body fat quickly and effectively.

Being a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor myself, I know how important it is to continuously challenge your body to create change. It is also equally important to switch up your training every so often - not only to challenge your body but also for mental stimulation, doing the same workout or training method for too long can leave you feeling uninspired and unmotivated. 

Having just recently Qualified as a Les Mills GRIT Coach, I get to see first hand how effective HIIT training can be to people's fitness regime. The best thing about HIIT, and in particular GRIT, is that the classes are accessible to everyone and anyone. Whether you are new to fitness looking to tone up, or whether you are professional rugby player looking to increase your stamina and endurance - HIIT training is a great way to get the results you want fast!

So next time you are at your local Gym or Health Club - why not try a HIIT class? If your club is licensed with Les Mills, try a GRIT class, there are three training types to choose from: GRIT Strength (weights based), GRIT Plyo (Plyometric based) and GRIT Cardio (no equipment needed). For more info on the Les Mills workouts visit: https://www.lesmills.com/uk/   

Thanks for reading - and good luck for your first class! Let me know how you got on.

Luke - MANSTYLED