Top 5 benefits of HIIT

HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training is one of the most enduring fitness trends of recent years and its popularity shows no sign of slowing. Not only does it deliver a knockout workout in no time at all, it can boost your metabolism, burn serious calories and improve your overall fitness.

So just what is HIIT?

Quite simply, HIIT is short burst of intense exercise, interspersed with brief rest breaks. The theory is that this technique encourages greater oxygen consumption in the body leading to increased fitness and greater calorie burn.

If HIIT isn’t part of your routine, it should be. Don’t believe us? Check out these great reasons to add a little HIIT to your workout.

1) It keeps you burning calories long after your workout

HIIT keeps the calorie burn on high long after you’ve hung up your trainers. The holy grail of many a fitness fanatic, this workout blasts the fat even when you’re lounging on the sofa. This effect, known as afterburn, only occurs after an intense workout such as HIIT. This intensity triggers the body to consume high levels of oxygen leading to increased calorie burns in the hours following exercise. Regular HIIT has even been shown to increase overall metabolism.

2) It’s time smart  

If you are like most Londoners you might fancy a gym session but don’t want to spend hours pounding the treadmill. HIIT is one of the smartest uses of your time when you need a workout in a hurry. Even a 20 or 30 minute HIIT class will leave you sweating and feeling like you have pushed your body hard. Perfect to get your blood pumping at the start of the day or for a quick lunchtime pick me up.

3) It targets fat NOT muscle

Studies have shown that HIIT just like strength training reduces fat whilst leaving muscles intact, unlike cardio which reduces overall body mass. This will lead to a lean, toned and strong physique rather that a skinny frame. HIIT is about increasing overall fitness and long lasting results.

4)You can do it anywhere with NO equipment

Do you wish you had more space to work out in your flat share? HIIT is a space saving way to get in a fantastic home workout. If you have room to lay out an exercise mat you have space to HIIT. What’s more you don’t need any equipment at all just your body, some water and lots of hard work. With HIIT there is no excuse not to fit in a great workout wherever you are.

5)You won’t get bored

Traditional cardio routines rely on completing the same motion in repetition. Jogging or cycling can become dull meaning you either give up on it altogether or your technique suffers. Watching the clock tick down on your workout is always a bad sign. HIIT doesn’t give you time to get bored and will keep your mind as engaged as your muscles.

Embrace fast fitness – Go HIIT it!