At BootCampSF in San Francisco, we regularly incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT) into our routines. So what is HIIT? HIIT training has plenty of well-documented benefits and is the broad term used for a training technique that involves short bouts of intense exercise alternated with (sometimes active) lower intensity intervals of recovery. If you’re using max heart rate (MHR) as a guide, high intensity is above 80% of MHR — with time frames lasting from thirty seconds to two minutes.
An example of outdoor HIIT training would be running at the fastest pace possible on a track for 200 meters, then jogging at a slower pace for 400 meters. HIIT can include exercises such as high knees, burpees, or even jumping jacks. You can also incorporate HIIT with equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, stair-climbers, or stationary bikes.
What are the benefits of HIIT training?
1. Speeds Your Metabolism
The reason full-body HIIT has become a fundamental part of many workout routines is its effectiveness in fat burning. High-intensity training increases your metabolic rate and can give you a metabolism boost for up to 48 hours after a routine. So you’ll be burning fat even after you’ve left a BootCampSF class.
2. Simple and Convenient
HIIT workouts are so versatile and even just thirty minutes can be highly effective. No more excuses that you don’t have time to workout! HIIT workouts can also be done virtually anywhere. Just pick a spot on the floor — in your home, hotel, beach, or of course, in San Francisco’s beautiful outdoors — and get to work.
3. No Equipment Necessary
The majority of HIIT workouts simply use your body weight, since the goal is to get your heart rate up and keep it there. High knees, fast feet, or anything plyometric like jumping lunges work well at getting your heart rate up fast. In fact, some equipment like dumbbells can make HIIT less effective since you want the focus to be on pushing your heart to its max, not your biceps.
In summary
HIIT training is an excellent way to exercise. This form of training burns more calories than almost any other forms of exercise. And you continue burning calories well after you’ve finished the routine. Bottom line is HIIT gives many of the same health benefits of other forms of working out in a shorter amount of time.
If you are curious about HIIT training and would like to give it a try, consider joining one of our boot camp classes at a San Francisco location near you.
