Everything you need to know about Hiit

Everything you need to know about Hiit 

That exercising is good for our health is not exactly news and some people have difficulties exercising not because they don’t like to exercise but because they don’t like the modality they’re choosing. Sometimes to find the right exercise you need to test several modalities until you find the right one for you. 

Do you know what Hiit is? Hiit is an acronym for High-Intensity Interval Training and it alterns short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with short recovery periods. It  is a form of cardiovascular exercise that alternates short, intense bursts of exercise with periods of rest or active recovery. The high-intensity intervals are typically performed at or near maximum effort, with the goal of elevating the heart rate and burning calories. Here are some benefits of this type of exercise:

• Cardiovascular effects – One of the primary benefits of HIIT is that it can be an extremely efficient way to improve cardiovascular fitness and burn calories. Studies have shown that HIIT can be more effective than steady-state cardio at improving aerobic capacity and burning fat. 
• Increased muscle mass: HIIT workouts that incorporate resistance training can help to increase muscle mass and strength, which can help to improve overall health and fitness.
• Time management – because HIIT workouts are typically shorter than traditional cardio workouts, they can be a great option for people with busy schedules who are looking to maximize their time in the gym.
• Adaptability – HIIT workouts can be adapted to a variety of fitness levels, they can be a great option for people of all fitness levels, from beginners to elite athletes.

Did you get curious about the equipment?
You can take a look at Athletic’s catalog here. These are the main equipment used for a Hiit workout trainnig:

1. Treadmill or stationary bike – These are popular pieces of cardio equipment that can be used for high-intensity interval training. You can alternate between short periods of maximum effort and periods of active recovery (such as jogging or cycling at a lower resistance). 
2. Jump rope – Jumping rope is a great way to incorporate high-intensity intervals into your workout. You can jump as fast as possible for a set period of time, followed by a brief period of rest.
3. Dumbbells or kettlebells – These are useful for incorporating resistance training into your HIIT workout. You can perform exercises such as squats, lunges, and overhead presses with weights to build strength and burn calories.
4. Resistance band – Can be used for a variety of exercises such as shoulder presses, and lateral walks, to challenge your muscles and improve strength.
5. Medicine balls – Can be used for exercises such as wall balls and twists, to work your entire body and build power.
6. Plyometric boxes – These can be used for exercises such as box jumps, step-ups, and lateral jumps, to improve explosive power and cardiovascular fitness.

 Any Hiit training workout you can have at home or at the gym of your choosing, but don’t forget that you should have the assistance of a professional to help you achieve your goals and avoid injuries. Hiit can provide a range of health and fitness benefits. Incorporating a variety of types of exercise can help to improve overall fitness, strength, and health.

If you want more health fitness tips, click here.

Author:Maria Elisa de Sousa