​What is HIIT exercise?

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training.  And for me the best thing about it is that it takes less time … gone are the days of spending over an hour in the gym or running!  And time is one thing I need more of, so this definitely ticks all the boxes for me.

Basically it is a good way to maximise your workout time by performing short bursts of specifically targeted exercises with little or no rest in between.  I do 30 seconds on/exercise and 30 seconds off/rest.  I then repeat each circuit 4 or 5 times and the whole session with warm up and cool down lasts 30 minutes.  Or if you are doing just one exercise (i.e. exercise bike then repeat 20 times).

To be able to build up your cardiovascular strength it has been proven that you do not need to spend ages running or working out.  HIIT workouts provide the same benefits as long steady CV but they also increase your metabolism, increase fat burning, decrease your blood pressure and help you lose weight!

The fitness industry is learning this is the way ahead and the trend is definitely changing towards HIIT based exercise.  Some of our most high profile trainers are sharing their results; take a look at Julia Buckley and of course Joe Wicks (the programme I am following). 

For the whole of Cycle 1 of the SSS plan I have been performing four HIITs per week (two at home, two with my PT).  They may consist of exercises such as ‘high knees’, ‘burpees’, ‘jumping lunges’, ‘mountain climbers’ and ‘press-ups’.  No I don’t like these exercises, yes they are hard but I only do them for 30 seconds 4-5 times.  The aim is to get my heart rate up to its maximum and work hard.  I also do ‘bike HIITs’ where I cycle as fast and as hard as I can for 30 seconds then ease off for 30 seconds then repeat this 20 times.  There are hundreds and hundreds of HIIT videos on YouTube to follow as well as 30 day programmes.

Now I have started Cycle 2 I am adding in weight training.  No I am not about to morph into looking like a body builder!  But muscle burns fat more efficiently and it takes up less space in the body than fat so I want some more of that.  I will tell you more about the benefits of weights (for us ladies of a certain age) soon.

A number of years ago I did the Marlow 5 road race.  Five miles of running!  I did it!  I didn't enjoy the training or the race at all but it was an achievement to tick off my list.  I’d never go back to running though.  If you enjoy it then great, it is good for you, but if like me you just want to get fit and be healthy in the quickest time possible then HIIT is the way to go – you will get the figure you want much more efficiently and quicker.

Michelle x