The first question you’re going to have is simple, “What is considered HIIT training?”
This is a good starting point as you look to increase your workload.
HIIT training is a power-packed technique and offers a unique way to pursue cardio workouts. By using HIIT training for weight loss, it’s all about adjusting to the body’s needs and pushing it to the limit.
This guide is going to take a look into what is considered HIIT training and why it works so well.
Best Treadmill for HIIT Training: Bowflex Treadmill (BXT116)
Key Features:
- 7.5″ Backlit LCD Display
- Motorized Incline (Up to 15%)
- Complete Bluetooth Connectivity
- 9 Built-in Workout Programs
- RunSocial App Integration
- 20″ x 60″ Running Path
The Bowflex BXT116 is an outstanding treadmill for HIIT training as it offers a wonderful set of perks. It’s easy to manage, offers quick switches, and remains comfortable on the feet.
When a person is sprinting during a HIIT session, it becomes important to have some sort of impact absorption in place. With the best treadmill for HIIT sessions, this problem isn’t going to be a major issue.
The treadmill is going to absorb most of the load and make your HIIT training that much easier.
What is Considered HIIT Training?
HIIT training is short for “high-intensity interval training” and it’s a technique used to maximize cardio sessions.
As the name suggests, there are intervals involved with this technique.
You rotate between high intensity (max effort) and low intensity at set intervals (i.e. every 30 seconds).
An example would be:
- 30 seconds of light jogging (3 MPH)
- 30 seconds of full-out springs (10 MPH)
- 30 seconds of light jogging (3 MPH)
- 30 seconds of full-out sprints (10 MPH)
You do this until the 5 or 10-minute mark. This is determined based on your fitness level and what your HIIT goals are.
Please note, this is just one example of a HIIT session. You can vary the exercise (jogging, swimming, burpees) and still get the same results. It’s all about switching between intensity levels to maximize your time.
Benefits of HIIT Training
1. Faster Cardio Session
When it comes to the advantages of HIIT training, the most important one has to do with how much time is saved.
Instead of spending 60 minutes on a treadmill or bicycle to burn 200-300 calories, you can do the same in a shorter HIIT session of 15 minutes. Of course, these numbers will differ based on your effort but the point remains.
You are going to save quite a bit of time in the gym through HIIT training.
It can take a lot out of you but it also offers a tremendous time advantage.
2. Increased Fat Loss
Do you want to lose fat?
Well, HIIT training for fat loss is always a recommended option. It simply gets the job done and makes it easier to shed weight.
While you are going to want to get your diet on point, it’s never a bad idea to implement HIIT sessions into your routine.
Having 1-2 HIIT sessions per week can make the difference between losing a little bit of weight and starting to make significant gains.
The body targets its fat reserves when HIIT training is used and that’s essential for those looking to weight.
3. Improved Oxygen Management
Due to the amount of stress put on your lungs during the session, they tend to strengthen with time. The same applies to your heart and how it pumps. This is why people prefer going down this path.
It has a dramatic impact on a person’s overall health when done properly.
Oxygen management is all about breathing better and getting more out of your lungs. HIIT training prepares your lungs to maximize oxygen due to the sprinting or high-intensity work that’s done throughout the sessions. As your lungs begin to adjust, they also get stronger.
Remember, the body is incredibly resilient and the same applies to your lungs.
4. Increased Muscle Retention
Another underrated advantage has to do with something as simple as muscle retention.
Imagine you have been spending time in the gym and lifting weights to get stronger. You may even start to notice a change in how you look with regards to the musculature. If that is the case, you don’t want to lose it all by running.
This is why people try to find the best of both worlds through HIIT training.
Due to how HIIT sessions are laid out, you lose more fat than muscle. This goes a long way in looking the way you want to while building up your cardiovascular system at the same time.
Tips for Making the Most of Your HIIT Session
1. Choose the Right Activity
Before doing anything else, it’s time to choose the right activity.
Don’t assume you have to hop onto a treadmill to get the most out of a HIIT session! This is untrue and that’s something you don’t have to pursue if you don’t want to.
Instead, you can play around with options such as:
- Swimming
- Burpees
- Jump Rope Training
- Cycling
- And More!
The options are simply endless and it’s all about finding an activity that suits you. In general, this technique works with almost any cardiovascular activity. It’s all about training with a purpose and making sure you get through the intervals.
2. Start Slow
It seems easy, doesn’t it?
Well, HIIT training is anything but easy and it’s going to take a lot out of you. Even the world’s finest athletes believe this technique is difficult.
The goal is to start slowly and see how your body responds.
For example, you can easily increase the low-intensity interval by making it 40 seconds. This means your high-intensity work is shortened to 20 seconds of max effort.
Look to play around with the numbers, so you don’t end up getting injured. There’s nothing wrong with starting slow and seeing how things go.
3. Stay Hydrated
Are you drinking enough water throughout the session?
You should look to carry a water bottle with you. This is the only way to make sure your body isn’t starving for water as soon as you enter the gym!
You have to be smart about your water consumption. The HIIT session is going to be a grueling one and that means you need to be prepared. Otherwise, you can easily end up fainting during the session.
Drink a bit of water before the session to make sure your body is prepared for what’s to come.
4. Spread Out the HIIT Sessions
Don’t go all-in and plan HIIT workouts for every day of the week!
This is how you end up in the hospital because your body gave up. Plus, you are more than likely going to hit a point where the body simply doesn’t respond to what’s happening. This is a real issue for those who overwork.
Your body only has so much to give before it shuts down.
The best way to do this is to plan 1-2 sessions per week. This is more than enough to get the job done. You don’t need a lot of sessions to see results as long as you go all-out.
Final Thoughts
What is considered HIIT training?
In the end, this is what HIIT training is all about. It’s a short, high-intensity training technique that has been used for years as a successful weight loss tool. It simply works and you should implement it as soon as you can.
The changes to your overall health are going to be impressive and well worth it. We believe it is a must for those who are serious about looking fitter, stronger, and healthier.
