High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been the focus of several fitness fads, such as the Insanity workouts. Exercises are continued for 30-60 second intervals, and are followed by rest, then repeated. The recovery time varies between 60 and 10 seconds (depending on format, ie: 3:1, 2:1 or 1:1). These intervals are repeated throughout the entire workout.
These intervals can be done during your walk or run, on a trail or treadmill (speed or hill climbs), on a cycle or other piece of cardiovascular fitness equipment or with plyometric total body exercises (see your local gym schedule or personal trainer for ideas). Simply up your speed or resistance for 30-60 seconds, then bring it back to a lower moderate intensity for 10-60 seconds. Repeat for 30 minutes.
Intervals can be really difficult but they make time fly! This is the only way that I can get through a treadmill workout!
Make sure that you warm up properly and check with your health care provider if you have an injury or other condition that may not allow you to exercise.
So go get your interval on!
Photo courtesy of Sauce Headwear and Carlie Breen Photography.
Hi Lindsay,
ReplyDeleteIm a runner that was doing about 7 miles 3-4 nights a week. i was doing great until i developed a sharp pain in my left hip. MRI revealed it could be a stress fracture. I'm seeing an ortho surgeon tomorrow.
If i'm layed up for a while and unable to do cardio, what type of diet do you recommend? I'm 49 yrs old, female and currently weigh 104-106 lbs. i'm so worried i'll never run again.
thank you!
I'm so sorry to hear about your injury! While you are healing focus on high antioxidant foods like fruits and veggies!
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