Spring Fever Fitness
My new obsession with HIIT workouts
(and why you should try them too)
HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training is said to burn more calories than running for an hour (Shape). Let’s face it, who wants to mindlessly run on the treadmill for an hour? Not me! I love running, but training on the indoor treadmill this winter was not going to work for me. I needed something quick, effective, and sweaty to burn that extra fat.
So I landed on HIIT training for all of those things I mentioned above. It combines a variety of exercises, movements, and target muscles for a great full body workout. Here are some reasons why you should try HIIT training and what source I get both my at-home and gym workouts from.
Energy Boost
I have seen my energy increase drastically since I started HIIT training every week. It boosts your metabolism to help you burn extra fat and will only exhaust you temporarily. I find that I get really into the workouts, start getting sore, but become more energetic after the workout is finished. This happens to me after long outdoor runs as well. We can all use that energy boost to power us through the day with a little boost.
It Takes Less Than 30 Minutes
The exercises in my plan last, on average, 10-15 minutes. For those days when I’m running late for class or have to go late at night this is ideal. Imagine being able to crunch your workouts in between your daily activities without giving it a second thought. That’s HIIT training. I don’t stress about finding time for the gym anymore because another benefit is
You Can Do It From Home
That’s right, you can. I like going to the gym for the extra motivation of completing my workout (like a little insurance policy). However, on weekends and days where I just don’t have time to get there I work out from home. This way I can get done with the entire workout even faster before my next to-do. For those who dread the thought of others watching them sweat then these are perfect for you because
No Equipment Required
No barbells, kettlebells, and treadmills are required for these workouts. 90% of the exercises require absolutely no equipment, but some do suggest it for an extra muscle workout. I like to keep 5 and 8 pound dumbbells and a yoga mat at home. These are both easy-to-store products that you can get at pretty much any big-box store for cheap. I believe I purchased mine at Target.
Endurance Improvement
Moving between intervals of 30-60 seconds can improve your endurance and overall health (Men’s Health). You become more in tune with yourself and begin to control your breathing more naturally after a while. For example, I had not run long distance since the summer but was able to take down 4.5 miles at a steady speed of 8:30 because of the HIIT workouts I have been following this winter.
You’ll Feel Accomplished
HIIT workouts are no easy feat. I feel my body working with every movement and I LOVE it. It’s the type of workout that you wrap up and think “WOW, I did it.” That is one of the best feelings isn’t it? I go home feeling energized, happy, and fit. You see the results more quickly which helps boost your confidence levels and encourages you to keep going. Every day is it’s own challenge and you can own it 😉
The program I use is the Body Boss Method which is a 12-week HIIT training program. I got it courtesy of my friends at Body Boss, but it’s only $50 which is low compared to the other programs I have seen and tried (and it works 10x better). You get an E-Book and can order in hard copy which is the one I like because I keep it in my gym bag so I won’t forget about it. I’ve always liked reading on paper more than off my phone (big distraction). The book includes pre-training, warm-ups, cool-downs, and your official workout plan.