What makes for a HIIT workout?

Known by many by its abbreviation HIIT, the term refers to “high-intensity interval training.” This type of workout is a combination of short bursts of physical activity and short rest periods, explains fitness enthusiast Katina Volitich. The idea is to work to your maximum capacity within those short intervals, thus the term “high intensity.”

 While HIIT workouts are scalable, they tend to be shorter than other exercise regimens, and often don’t last for more than 30 minutes. These workouts are great for group fitness classes, with the goal being to push oneself during the intense intervals. Most fitness instructors would use a different scale to measure the rate of perceived exertion per individual, knowing that intensity caps differ per person.

A HIIT workout can be integrated with almost any physical activity, from swimming and running to strength training routines like squats and push-ups. One can even come up with different methods for deciding the work-to-rest ratio. Because of the efficiency of HIIT workouts, one burns more calories in less time.

Another benefit of HITT workouts is burning more fat compared to more steadily paced ones since there’s a higher afterburn effect. This means one continues to burn calories even after the workout is finished. Also, aside from improving one’s overall endurance, they aid in maintaining cardiovascular health and a good cholesterol profile, Katina Volitich adds.

Katina Volitich is a Project Engineer at Paragon Medical. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Biomedical Engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Visit this blog for related posts.