The HIIT workout stands for high intensity interval training. It is a method of training that involves periods (or intervals) of high intensity exercises interspersed with intervals of “rest” or “recovery.” The whole idea behind HIIT is to give maximal effort during periods of high intensity— giving 100% of the energy you’ve got to the move, then resting for a brief interval before getting right back into the high intensity interval. The recovery period allows the lactic acid that gets built up as a result of the high intensity moves to clear out so you can get back into your high intensity interval again.
Why is the HIIT workout one of the best fat burning workouts?
The HIIT workout is such a great fat burning workout because when you’re doing the high intensity moves, you’re tapping into a different system within your body that uses your fat stores to give you energy and ups your metabolism. Then your metabolism stays elevated after the hiit workout. This is known as Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (known as EPOC). Some studies say that you can achieve this after burn effect post HIIT for up to 48 hours.
How do I do the HIIT workout?
You can do the HIIT workout by following a lean body app to guide you — Mission Lean does just that. Mission lean provides HIIT workouts targeted to each area of the body – core workouts, leg workouts, inner thigh workouts. Essentially every area of your body where there may be extra fat stores, Mission Lean has created an HIIT workout targeting the trouble areas. You can try some workouts here.
Why do so many people want to do the HIIT workout?
Many people want to do the HIIT workout because this lean workout routine targets two of the most important requirements for individuals choosing exercise routines –
- It’s time- effective (HIIT workouts are high intensity, but short!)
- And… it works! (The fat burning qualities of this workout are amazing!)
Even if you don’t think of exercise as a chore, you still probably don’t have countless hours in the day to work out. And even if you did, most people probably wouldn’t choose to spend their time that way. For today’s busy professional (or busy stay-at-home parent), the best workout routine gets him or her lean and fit and doesn’t impinge on other important priorities like work or family time.
How time-effective is the HIIT workout?
The HIIT workout is incredibly time-effective. Most Mission Lean HIIT workouts can be completed in less than 20 minutes. Add in a brief warm up and cool down… and what’s better than a 30 minute workout that burns more fat than any other workout you could be doing?
Sounds like there might be a catch to the HIIT workout?
So you can exercise less yet lean down even more? Sounds too good to be true… what’s the catch?
Well, yes, there is a catch. The fact is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) truly must be done at a High Intensity. You can’t do a few pushups and a few sit-ups over the span of 20 minutes and call it a day. To get the fat burning effect that High Intensity Interval Training provides, you need to sweat. What does that mean? It means performing the exercises at a sustained elevated heart rate. That’s what cardio is all about. Getting your heart rate up and keeping it up for as long as is healthy for your body and fitness level. Most importantly, trying to improve on that level every single workout.
Where and how can I start with HIIT?
You can do HIIT anywhere with Mission Lean workouts. You’ll be sweating and your heart will be pumping (in the best way) from the fat burning workout that lasts less than 30 minutes. If you want a full workout plan that explains exactly which exercises to do and when, you’ve come to the right place. All you have to do is focus on transforming your body and follow along.
The programs formulated specifically for Women tone the body for a long, lean beautiful look that’s NOT bulky.
The programs formulated specifically for Men build strong, lean, functional muscles like those of world class athletes.
Jon Pearlman is a former standout tennis player at Harvard, ATP-ranked touring pro, and author of The Lean Body Manual. He founded Mission Lean to share his unique formula for lean body fitness and nutrition, an approach that took over a decade to develop and perfect. He is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist.