Sell me (or otherwise) HIIT

I do HIIT 2x per week for 30 min. It's brutal. Even after a year, it's still brutal. But I have found that it makes my other workouts easier (spinning, running, etc)

Why specifically HIIT?
There's lot's of options for interval training that aren't HIIT.
There's also plenty of options for high intensity cardio that aren't HIIT.

Yes I think you should (probably) incorporate some higher intensity work and interval training can be a good way to achieve that. Whether that's HIIT depends to a large degree on your capabilities and even enjoyment of different types of exercise.

You could simply do walk/run intervals or add some sprints into your stationary biking.

I went from Zumba twice a week (plus walking) last time I dieted for my wedding to HIIT/interval training twice a week (plus walking) when I've dieted this time around. The biggest difference seems to be inches lost, apart from my thighs (which are an inch larger and are fairly solid) I'm the same measurements (waist, hips, stomach, arms etc) as when I was 10 pounds lighter and look in better shape and feel fitter.

I don't know the pure definition/difference between HIIT and normal interval training but it's pretty hardcore (for me, also one of my colleagues actually had to leave to throw up during the first class because he pushed himself to far) it's short bursts short rests than a couple of minutes rest between sets and the class is about 50-60 mins including warm up/cool down and stretching. I like that it incorporates strength training mostly using your own body weight, some resistance bands etc with intense cardio. Definitely would recommend, I find it's as fun as zumba.

Our trainer also gives us a fitness tests once every 6-8 weeks to see how we've improved, how many push ups, sit ups and burpies we can do in a minute each, how long we can hold a wall sit and a plank, and how quickly we can do 3 sets of - 10 pressups, 10 squats, 10 lunges (each leg) 10 knee to elbow (each side) 10 burpees and 50 star jumps. It's great to gauge our progress and I have a little bit of friendly competition with my husband ;P

I think a main benefit of adding some high-intensity work is developing an ability to do a wider variety of things. If you are only used to going slow and steady, you might get really challenged say, running to catch the train or racing up some stairs when you are late. Your muscles, heart, and lungs won't be used to quick bursts. I know personally that when I started doing high-intensity work, I went from the ability to run an 8 min mile tops to a 7 minute mile within a year, without working on running at all. I feel a lot more "up for anything" knowing that I regularly push myself really hard.

gebeziseva wrote: »

I've been doing only steady state cardio through the years (if any at all). Mostly brisk walking and stationary biking.

Can I ask for your experienced advice about switching to hiit or staying steady state, please?

I'm very interested in heart benefits, not just calorie burns.

For heart benefits, I've never seen a study that really shows any advantage to HIIT. Even low intensity steady state has heart benefits, and ramping up intensity doesn't change much other than the time factor. Obviously the lower the intensity, the longer the time needed to get true results.

An interesting article on steady state vs a couple of HIIT protocols below. But take note that the steady state is fairly high intensity and short for steady state work.

https://acefitness.org/certifiedarticle/6300/ace-sponsored-research-hiit-vs-steady-state/

It would be great to see a study that added in more low intensity steady state comparisons. But the study does show good benefits in VO2max and aerobic power output. So it gives you options of training towards the same end goals, which is great if you are like me and get easily bored with doing the same thing over and over.

For me personally, I like to mix it up and do some HIIT along with steady state stuff. I really hate the long and slow stuff so generally my steady state stuff is at least medium intensity, and from there I vary to medium and high intensity intervals, sometimes towards the end of the easier steady state stuff. I do agree with the thoughts from @CJ_Holmes that the higher intensity stuff, regardless of it being intervals or steady state, has helped me with overall improvements. I don't generally have to run to catch trains or up stairs, but do quite enjoy when guys half my age with superior equipment find out that sometimes the old guys on a crappy mountain bike can humble them in power output.