What is HIIT?
HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training is a method of exercise that combines short, sharp bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest. HIIT sessions can involve both cardio and strength components and due to its intense nature, can be an extremely effective way to burn calories in a short amount of time.
Many of you may hear the word HIIT and want to run for the hills but I'm here to change your mindset. Why? Because HIIT gets results. Whether it's weight loss or building tone, High-Intensity Interval Training delivers (and we are all about that!).
If that hasn't won you over yet, here are just some of the reasons why I love this method of exercise;
It's extremely efficient.
High-intensity workouts have been proved to provide the same or if not better results, in half the time of a lower-intensity workout. All of those burpees and squat jumps aren't just there for fun - they burn serious calories and help tone your muscles at the same time.
You burn calories even when you're finished working out.
Wait, what? It's true. Because of the intensity of HIIT, your body continues to burn calories once you finish your workout. The scientific name for this is EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption). This refers to the energy your body burns to recover from a workout and HIIT workouts. Free calorie-burning...can we get a yes, please?!
It's fun and packed with variety.
Your mind may go straight to burpees when you think of HIIT but there are hundreds, if not thousands of exercises that you can fit into your HIIT workout. Squats, Mountain Climbers, Bicycles, Lunges, Skipping, Running...you name it.
You don't even need equipment.
This is one of my favourite things about HIIT. Most HIIT exercises can be done with bodyweight only so it's perfect for working out on vacations, at the park, or places where you don't have anything on your but a pair of workout tights and a sports bra (you don't even really need that).
What to wear for a HIIT workout?
HIIT workouts can involve a lot of jumping so wearing the appropriate sports bra or workout bra is a must. Search for medium to high-impact gym bras to eliminate the bounce so you can focus on performing your best.
Check out our medium impact sports bra here. Made with 12 recycled plastic bottles.
Women's active shorts are also an extremely popular option for HIIT as they can allow you to keep cool while providing enough flexibility for jumping, squatting, or lunging.
Shop our latest JRSY women's sports shorts here.
If you're more of a sports tights person, opt for a lightweight fabric that is breathable and has a four-way stretch. You don't want anything holding you back!
Shop our squat-proof women's active tights here.
So there you have it. Although they can be extremely tough, HIIT workouts are a super-effective way to burn calories in a short amount of time.