What is HIIT?

HIIT is a type of training that involves a circuit of exercises performed in succession with high intensity before resting.  You then repeat this circuit a given number of times. The benefits of HIIT training are numerous: improved aerobic fitness; reduced blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels; and the reduction of belly fat while maintaining muscle mass.  According to the ACSM, HIIT workouts tend to burn more calories than traditional endurance workouts and could increase your post workout calorie burn by as much as 15%.  What is there not to like?!

Well let’s get to it!  The above video is a bodyweight circuit you can do this very day!  Remember, the minimum guidelines of physical activity just to maintain your weight, let alone fat loss, is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day 5 days a week.  So if fat loss is your goal, be sure to give HIIT a try to keep your weekly caloric burn high!

HIIT Bodyweight Workout

Perform 30 seconds each of the following exercises with 10 seconds of rest between each exercise.  Once the circuit is completed, rest 1 minute.  The whole circuit takes just under 8 minutes to complete!  Complete 2 circuits and it’s a great 15 minute calorie burn.  Complete 4 circuits and you have yourself a fantastic 30 minute workout without leaving your home!

Jumping Jacks
Crossover Jacks
High Skips
Bodyweight Squat
Shoulder Taps
Plank Jacks
Mountain Climbers
Push Ups
Lying Trunk Rotations
Dead Bug