Experiences with high intensity interval training?

electricmeow
electricmeow Posts: 68 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have seen lots of people talk about HIIT for years, but I figured it was some fitness DVD you had to buy or something haha! I recently came across this iPhone app that is awesome for mixing it up on the treadmill and realized this is what it is utilizing.

I do 35 minute workouts on the treadmill under "Intermediate" and "running". It builds the intensity of it slightly for every workout so its not as though you're getting used to the same thing. I've heard so much about cardio not doing anything, especially if you're a person who just goes out for leisurely jogs that don't really get your heart pumping. But in this case, where I have to put myself in hyperfocus the last 10 minutes to finish the workout... there must be plenty of benefits ahead.

Anyone have experience with this versus steady workouts? How long did it take for you to notice the difference? I only have 15lbs to lose, and already in the healthy range.

Replies

  • JenSkinLaPierre
    JenSkinLaPierre Posts: 54 Member
    Hey there! Here is what my trainer says:
    Regular cardio burns calories only while you're doing it.
    Weights burns calories for 48 hours AFTER you finish.
    HIIT burns calories for 72 hours AFTER you finish.
  • shaycat
    shaycat Posts: 980
    I will do some HIIT on my elliptical and I notice a big difference in how much more I sweat and my heart really starts pumping. I love it. However, every time I do it my elliptical wigs out. One time some screws feel out and the thing collapsed on me. LOL, sorry, anyways I think its a great way to get your heart working hard.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    i do lots of hiit, mainly with running but also hills on the treadmill, the versaclimber machine, the rower and i just introduced the stairmaster in my HIIT bag of goodies.

    i do 2 types of HIIT

    aerobic : speed up for 1 minute and recover for 2 minutes. my heart rate stays in the in aerobic zone and below . these routines i usually do for 45-60 minutes

    anaerobic: go all out for 15 seconds and rest for 15 seconds. my heart rate is well over the aerobic stage and i'm almost pushing it to my V02 max. since the sprint intervals are so intense, i cant do this more than 15 minutes at a time.

    i noticed changes in my overall fitness after a month or 2.
  • katy4399
    katy4399 Posts: 136 Member
    Bump to read later :)
  • loricolwill
    loricolwill Posts: 189 Member
    What's the name of the app?
  • j77r68
    j77r68 Posts: 271 Member
    i don't necessarily do it with regular cardio machines but i do it with my bootcamp. where we do HIIT with cardio bursts, weights, body resistance exercises etc... I wouldn't feel as strong as I do if I just did regular workouts. They help me kick my own butt each time and I love it
  • ChancyW
    ChancyW Posts: 437 Member
    I noticed a big difference in how I felt afterwards. The "burn" seems to last much longer where my heart rate is elevated and I am burning calories.

    Plus, steady rate cardio can get boring. HIIT totally helps keep you from being bored....if you're anything like me :)

    Enjoy your HIIT!

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