High Intensity Interval Training** (or ‘HIIT’ if you prefer the more abbreviated moniker) is gaining popularity to the point of
dominating studio schedules and inspiring gyms to be devoted to this training technique.
Although there is no ‘hitting’ involved (at least not usually) as we conventionally think of ‘hit’, you might feel like you’ve been hit - in the solar plexus - several minutes in.
The method is said to reap “results” (aka: weight loss, muscular definition, etc.) faster than any other workout regimen. This, in addition to the workout being characteristically brief – anywhere from 4 to 45 minutes – is why HIIT has quickly risen to superstardom.
The concept is centered on high intensity intervals punctuated with low to moderate intensity (or “recovery”) intervals. (Emphasis on the “high intensity” ‘cause man are these workouts killer!) In this way the body gets put through both the anaerobic and aerobic ringers, effectively resulting in a calorie-obliterating endeavor.
HIIT is led by qualified trainers and typically makes time for a comprehensive ‘bell curve’ workout including a warm up,
high-intensity/low-intensity intervals and ending with a cool down.
Health benefits of HIIT follow the same trend as, you know,
all exercise but with an arguably increased effectiveness for: fat burning/reduction of adipose tissue (apparently particularly, around the abdomen), cholesterol control, insulin or blood sugar levels and
cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
Some trainers get real technical with heart rate monitors and all kinds of math and measurements, but basically what you need to know is that it’s fast, furious and well worth a try.
But let’s hear from our experts about the “hows” and “whys” of HIIT…
Drew Hume: HIIT involves a series of short high intensity bursts within a medium intensity workout. This means repeatedly switching between anaerobic (without oxygen) and aerobic (with oxygen) energy systems. The benefits are two-fold: over time more adipose (fat) tissue is consumed for energy than aerobic activity alone, and you increase your aerobic capacity and your endurance for both aerobic and anaerobic activities.
Jennifer Thompson: High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T) is an excellent training tool, and has been used with populations ranging from elite athletes to sedentary populations, and even patients with chronic disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in certain circumstances. A common form of HIIT training that is popular right now is TABATA training. The benefits of HIIT training are numerous and include increased fat oxidation and improved VO2max (i.e. maximal work capacity). HIIT training allows you to accumulate a greater amount of high intensity exercise than can be done continuously, and in this way can be used to avoid or overcome fitness plateaus.
**Sometimes also (but less often) called high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) or sprint interval training (SIT).
Niki Boileau from Vancouver, British Columbia
Niki is a lover of learning - she’d study every imaginable topic if she could, including Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts. As her patient boyfriend will attest, she’s obsessed with going just a bit further to see around every bend on the beach and peak of land in the mountains. Her friends will tell you she likes to hug trees, occasionally walks too fast, and makes really tasty porridge. She’s a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga Instructor and all-around life and wellness enthusiast.
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