Everyone seems to be raving about HIIT workouts, and all their benefits. But, what exactly is HIIT and how can you reap the benefits too? HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training and consists of workouts that get your heart pumping in a short amount of time. However, don’t let the short time frame fool you. HIIT workouts WILL drain you of all of your energy and make you sweat in places you didn’t even know you could sweat from.
You’ll probably want to quit the whole time you're doing the workout, but with these simple tips, you can make it through every round of your circuit every time.
1. Warm up!
I can’t stress the importance of warming up enough. Nothing is worse than being in the middle of a super intense workout and having your foot cramp. Take 5 to 10 minutes to jog on the treadmill, or just stretch. Your body will thank you later!
2. Make a killer playlist
Create a playlist to listen to that consists of only songs you like that are super up-tempo. Since HIIT is so short, no one has time to skip a song they don’t like and slow songs can slow down the tempo of your workout.
3. Don’t count the repetitions in order
This one sounds odd, but trust me it works! For example, if you have to do 30 squats don’t count from 1 to 30. Instead, count to 10 three times.
4. Or count down
Going off tip 2, try counting down, that way you can clearly keep track of how many squats you have left.
5. Take breaks
Sure HIIT workouts are supposed to be super fast with little to no breaks between moves, but if you are very tired rest or walk around for 2 minutes before you start the next circuit. It is better to get through every repetition with good form than to finish the workout as quickly as possible.
6. Do HIIT with a friend
Friends make everything better, even grueling workouts. Whether it’s your competitive side that makes you want to beat your friend, or your lazy side needs someone to hold you accountable you're sure to get through the whole workout. Friends will make working out more fun, and then you get to bond over how tired you are!
While HIIT can be difficult, the benefits are tremendous. HIIT workouts can help you burn lots of calories with very little time commitment. As little as 10 to 30 minutes a day can help you lose that last bit of fat, give you a boost of energy, and make you feel invincible as you go through your day.
Give it a try with one of my favorite HIIT workouts:
Repeat the following circuit 4-5 times with no break between moves, but a 1-minute break between the whole set of moves:
- 25 jump lunges
- 10 pushups
- 20 box jumps
- 25 sit-ups
- 25 jump squats
- 10 tricep dips
Happy working out and stay hydrated!
