FAST & FURIOUS
High-intensity interval training offers quick hits of fitness
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) optimizes maximum effort in short bursts of time to get major results. HIIT manages to raise your heart rate, blast fat and strengthen your muscles, all in 30 minutes, tops. In fact, it’s so intense you’ll keep burning calories for hours after you’ve finished, so it’s important to take a day or two off between workouts.
No Gym. No Problem.
Not only are HIIT workouts fast, but they can be done anywhere, with no equipment needed. Basement, garage, backyard — if you’ve got a little space, you’ve got your own gym. Talk about an efficient way to exercise!
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE (HIIT EDITION)
The main goal of HIIT is to aim for 80-95 % of your maximum heart rate during the intense intervals and around 60-65% while recovering. If you don’t have a heart rate monitor, push yourself to the point of not being able to have a conversation.
To find your max heart rate, subtract your age from 220. Take the percentages from there.
READY? LET'S DO IT!
1. Choose your heart rate goal.
Between 80-95% of max heart rate
2. Pick your total duration
Can range from 5-30 minutes
3. Intensity-to-Recovery Ratio
It will vary from person to person but common ratios are
60 sec. / 60 sec.
45 sec. / 30 sec.
20 sec./ 10 sec.
Essential Living does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any information in this publication is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting a healthcare professional.
MIX & MATCH MOVES
Any plyometric exercise can be used for HIIT, But here are some ideas:
Strength
• Superman plank
• Bicycle crunches
• Pushups
• Air squats
Cardio
• High knees
• Burpees
• Sprints
• Jumping jacks
SAMPLE WORKOUT
Do each exercise for 40 seconds, followed by a 20-second recovery. Repeat 3 times for a total of 15 minutes.
• Pushups
• Jumping jacks
• Superman plank
• High knees
• Bicycle crunches
Don't forget to do a proper warmup and cool down.
It’s no easy task, but many agree, HIIT is way more fun and beneficial than running on a treadmill for hours.
Want to keep going? Check out these free apps for workouts, tips and more!
• Interval Timer – HIIT Training
• Nike Training Club
• HIIT Workouts
• Interval Timer
• J & J Official 7 Minute Workout
