is this hiit?

HIIT for anything is going all out for 30-60 seconds followed by active recovery (or some people just rest completely but I don't like to do that). So, what you're doing isn't HIIT. Not that what you're doing is bad.

It's very hard to do HIIT on machines, because it's about impossible to increase the speed to MAX for the short 15-45 sec max time, rest is 3x as long, to allow the next interval to be just as hard. Elliptical seems a tad easier because you can increase the resistance, and then increase the movement speed to max after that happens. Treadmill you are waiting for belt to speed up, and you don't know if truly hitting max speed.

You can do other forms of intervals, like SIT (Short Interval Training) or regular intervals based on time or distance or HR.

Other intervals are pace based on some max, or regular pace (just like weight lifting is usually based on some max that is possible), or HR zones even.

Sounds like you are doing more the Jog / Walk intervals, which isn't intervals in the traditional since of doing a short bit harder, but rather a short bit easier merely to take a load off the harder part.
I prefer to do that in training actually, easier on joints, then the actual race day is faster and no walking.
Also this allows what is usually a more efficient form going faster pace on a decent amount of time, but still giving some recovery to the heart/muscles or joints.
Allows you to keep your body used to the faster pace.

HIIT is about as close as you can get to lifting for a cardio workout - because it's like lifting in that regard to a max effort for the time and reps done. That's why it can have a positive effect like lifting for fat burn during the repair and recovery time - if done right.

No, that is really just running at an increased pace. HIIT training would be difficult to do for over 30 seconds straight.

It's not HIIT, but then again it doesn't have to be. An interval training routine like the one you are describing will help improve fitness and increases total workout calorie burn.

Unless you enjoy doing HIIT, there is little justification for an average exerciser to push themselves to do it.

The reason for rest between intervals is because if you are doing HIIT the high intensity is so high that it isn't physically possible for you to repeat the interval. If you think you can repeat the interval without rest then you aren't pushing yourself hard enough.

Unless you have some cardio race goal, like running a race faster, you don't need muscle improvements for those just for running.

The aspect of extra fat burn available for HIIT compared to just straight level intensity cardio is because it can cause damage getting close to what lifting can do, and that increases metabolism during repair and recovery.

But if you want the best true effect of that - skip the HIIT and just use your available time to do the strength training. You can still obtain heart health benefits on much less time other ways.

You'll transform the whole body more, instead of just your running muscles. Like treadmill intervals aren't going to do anything for say flabby arms, or muffin top.

Diet will take care of that to some extent, making it smaller amounts of fat.

But neither of those things will cause muscle to magically appear in your upper body if you aren't using it.

HIIT can be a function of time OR distance...the key is to push yourself as hard as you can...the easiest for beginners is distance... mark out 25... 50... 75... 100 meter/yard markers in a field... sprint to 25... walk back... sprint to 50... walk back... out to 75... and 100... repeat 4 times... once that gets easy...sprint out and back from those markers and rest 30 seconds... once that gets easy... add intervals of 200 m and 400 ... (if you have access to a field track even better)... on a treadmill... it's a bit tougher because now you have to figure out how fast is safe for you to run... a stairmaster is a little better because you can ramp up speed and go for floors (distance) or time... any good HIIT interval will leave you feeling like you are going to drop dead of a heart attack SO... before engaging in HIIT talk to your doctor and ask him if he has any concerns... world class athletes have dropped dead from this sort of training...

HIIT is weightlifting for your cardio, respiratory and circulatory systems... done correctly you can see dramatic reductions in BP and heart rate... and equally dramatic increases in performance...IF you have running goals or plan to go on a long hard hike (mountain trekking) THIS activity will turn you into a machine...you will have more energy, and more stamina to engage in whatever activity you enjoy... it is meant to be supplemental to steady state cardio not a replacement... if you are a runner... a regular 2-4 mile run early in the day... followed by HIIT during your lunch hour... will show dramatic increases in your performance over a short period of time... BUT... like all good things... too much is a bad thing... any HIIT should be conducted over a shorter time frames because there IS a ceiling to everyone's performance.... after you hit a major cardio goal (5-6 minute mile as an example). it becomes a matter of maintenance and you should scale back your HIIT to once/week... overtraining is a real thing. always warm up before HIIT.

Google the "Ultimate 8 week HIIT for Fatburning Program" written by Dr. Jim Stoppani. Its a short article but he explains HIIT well and even starts you off with a work/rest ratio of 1:4. Its worth reading if you wonder about HIIT.

Sharon_C wrote: »

I can't do high impact anything so running and sprints are out for me. This is what I do for HIIT: rowing, battle ropes, kettle bell swings and the sled.

When I did HIIT, it was on an elliptical. once I finish C25k I may add a HIIT day if my knees are still gripy.