One of the hottest trends in the fitness world today is High-Intensity Interval training (HIIT). This is the type of training seen in workout regimes like crossfit or p90x.
What is HIIT exactly? High-intensity Interval training is basically bursts of almost maximal effort training followed by short periods of less intense exercise. High Intensity exercises can include all sorts of variety such as plyos, body-weight, sprints and free-weight training. This style of working out is usually designed for fitness seekers with past experience looking for variety or to kick their workouts up a notch with challenging variety.
High risk, high reward.
People like HIIT because results come more quickly than a slower paced, longer workout. When you push your body harder, your body is more likely to adapt at a faster pace. Also, at higher intensities, calories are burned at faster rates.
The negatives to this is that at higher intensities, exercisers are more likely to get injured. Everyone has heard all the horror stories of crossfit for example. People join crossfit because of the great physical results but often find themselves out for weeks due to injury. The safest way to perform High-Intensity Interval Training is under the guidance of a trained professional under an individualized program.
Seekers of High-Intensity Interval Training should have no current injuries or any cardiovascular illness or disease. If there is any question, one should seek out permission from a doctor.
Vaughan’s Fitness offers High Intensity Interval Training for 1 on 1 or group training. Click here for more information.