Get Fit with HIIT
You found our page, so you have probably heard about our HIIT (High Intensity interval Training) style workouts. We call them Heights Intensity Training or HIT. But do you know what they are or how they can benefit you?
Let’s dive into the definition of High Intensity Interval Training, and maybe we’ll even convince you to try either our virtual HIT (Tuesday, Thursday or Friday mornings) or our SPT HIIT in-Studio (Monday and Saturday mornings).
What is High Intensity Interval Training?
High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by low intensity recovery periods. HIIT workouts can be as short as ten minutes or as long as 45 minutes. We do a 45 minute format of 8 to 10 different exercises!
Studies have shown intermittent (HIIT) exercise maximally works both aerobic and anaerobic systems, which can’t be said for moderate intensity programs. High intensity exercise takes a lot less time so it's a win-win – more benefit in less time!
The actual exercises in a HIIT class can be almost anything - we always incorporate all of the primal movement patterns with bodyweight or free weights, mixed in with cardio bursts of burpees or jumping jacks to name a few examples. The important thing is to have high intensity interspersed with low intensity or short rest periods. We offer a variety of work to rest intervals.
Benefits of HIIT Workouts
You burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time - about 30% more calories than the same amount of time spent running, biking, or weight training. This means you can burn more calories in less time with a HIIT workout.
Once completing a high intensity workout like HIIT, you continue to burn calories for several hours after your workout because your metabolic rate is higher.
Offers similar benefits to endurance training when it comes to improving your oxygen consumption.
What is a Tabata Workout?
You may have noticed on our schedule that on Tuesday morning at 7am Coach Wendy teaches a 45-minute Tabata HIT class that we call “Tabata Tuesdays”. If you tend to get bored with exercise this format is a great way to keep moving with short exercise cycles. Tabata training is similar to HIIT but offers a specific timing structure.
Tabata is 20 seconds of work with 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds leading up to 4 minutes of work. We often do a fun twist with a “double Tabata” and do a 8 minute program with different groupings of exercises.
All tabata workouts are HIIT workouts. Tabata workouts were developed by Dr. Tabata. He was hired by the head coach of the Japanese speed skating team to analyze the efficacy of the team’s training program, which was characterized by rotations between short bursts of high activity and short rest periods (the Tabata protocol we know today!)
So join Coach Wendy on Tuesday mornings at 7am - she will get your heart rate going!
Want to see it in action? Watch this quick video of Priest... and we bet you wish you could get in shape this fast! :)