HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is a great way to get a full-body workout in minimal time. It involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by periods of rest. Research has shown that HIIT can be an effective weight loss tool and help women build lean muscle mass while burning fat quickly.
HIIT can be done anywhere, including at home, outdoors, camping sites, etc. This article discusses what a HIIT workout is, its effectiveness, benefits, and types.
Related Article: How to Warm Up for a HIIT?
What is a HIIT Workout?
HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is a form of exercise involving short bursts of high-intensity activity followed by periods of low-intensity recovery. HIIT is an effective tool for burning fat, increasing cardiovascular endurance, and building lean muscle mass. It can also be done nearly anywhere, using minimal equipment.
HIIT is an effective way to burn fat and lose weight. This is due to the intensity of the exercise, which requires greater oxygen consumption, leading to a more significant caloric expenditure.
HIIT also increases your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories even after the workout. HIIT also helps build lean muscle mass, increasing your metabolic rate, and can help you burn more calories throughout the day.
Lastly, HIIT workouts are short but intense, meaning they can be done in a minimal amount of time.
Benefits of HIIT Workouts
HIIT has many benefits, including:
Helps You Lose Weight
Researchers have found that HIIT cardio workouts can help people lose weight quickly and effectively. According to a study, those who did HIIT workouts lost 28.5% more fat than those who exercised at a moderate intensity for the same time.
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Increases Your Metabolic Rate
According to Harvard, HIIT cardio workouts have the potential to increase your body's metabolic rate for hours after you finish exercising. This means that you will continue to burn calories even when you are at rest. Additionally, HIIT cardio can help you build muscle mass if it is done with the proper weights and technique.
Enhances Oxygen Capacity
HIIT cardio workout isn't just great for improving an individual's oxygen consumption capacity — it lowers blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, too. According to a study, five weeks of high-intensity workouts improved oxygen consumers by 9%.
Improves Energy Levels
Performing HIIT also increases your energy levels and improves concentration plus mental sharpness.
6 Best Fat-Burning HIIT Workouts
Various HIIT workouts can be done to burn fat and improve overall fitness.
Here are the best HIIT workouts for weight loss that you can do at home to help burn fat and build lean muscle mass. Scroll down to look at the 6 best fat-burning HIIT workouts:
1. Tabata HIIT Workout
Tabata HIIT workouts are one of the most popular and effective fat-burning HIIT workouts. This intense interval training technique targets fast twitch muscle fibers, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build lean muscle mass while burning fat.
The workout usually consists of 8 rounds, for only 4 minutes. In each round, 20 seconds is spent on maximum intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds rest. The aim is to perform as many repetitions as possible during the 20-second work period.
Try this sample Tabata routine: jumping jacks (20 secs); mountain climbers (20 secs); burpees (20 secs); high knees (20 secs). Rest for 10 seconds in between each exercise and repeat the cycle a total of 2 times, totalling 8 rounds (4 minutes). You'll be sure to feel the burn! Add this Tabata workout to your routine two or three days per week for the best results.
2. Jump Rope HIIT Workout
Jump rope HIIT workouts are a great way to burn fat and tone your entire body. They can also be done almost anywhere, making them an ideal choice for those who don't have access to gym equipment. With consistent practice, you'll see results in no time! Add this type of workout into your routine two or three days per week for the best results.
For a jump rope HIIT workout, start with 1 minute of jumping rope at a moderate pace followed by 30 seconds of rest. Then, increase the intensity by increasing the speed or difficulty of the jumps.
Continue alternating between 1 minute of work and 30 seconds of rest for 8 rounds total. Make sure to take breaks if needed, as this type of workout can be intense!
3. Stadium HIIT Workout
Stadium HIIT workouts are perfect for those who want to take their fat-burning efforts outdoors. To do a stadium HIIT workout, find a set of stairs and start with a warm-up jog. This type of HIIT workout engages the lower body muscles and cardiovascular system resulting in faster fat burning and an increased metabolism over time.
Once warmed up, begin doing sets of 20 stair runs followed by a rest period. Make sure to time your rest periods, so your overall workout doesn't exceed 45 minutes. The key is to run at maximum effort during the 20-second sprints! Try performing this workout two to three days per week for optimal results.
4. Staircase HIIT Workout
Staircase HIIT workouts are similar to stadium HIIT workouts but don't require you to leave the comfort of your home. This workout works your lower body muscles and improves your cardiovascular system, resulting in increased fat-burning and an improved metabolism over time.
Adding this type of workout into your routine two or three days per week will help you reach your goals faster. All you need is a set of stairs and some determination.
Start with a 5-minute warm-up jog followed by 20 seconds sprinting up the stairs. Make sure to focus on form while sprinting so as not to avoid injuring yourself. Once you reach the top, take a 10-second break before descending the stairs and repeating the cycle 8 times.
5. AMRAP HIIT Workout
AMRAP HIIT workouts are a great way to mix up your routine and keep your body guessing. The workout consists of performing as many reps as possible (AMRAP stands for "as many reps as possible") in a set amount of time.
To do an Amrap HIIT workout, start with 1-minute jumping jacks followed by 10 seconds of rest. Then move on to squats for 1 minute, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Continue alternating between exercises and resting until 8 rounds have been completed.
6. HIIT Ladder Workout
HIIT Ladder workouts are a great way to build endurance, agility and coordination while also burning fat. Start with 45 seconds of ladder footwork followed by 20 seconds of rest. Then, move on to 45 seconds of lateral hops over the ladder, followed by 20 seconds of rest. Repeat this 4 times.
Related Article: 60-Minutes Explosive Workout: Perfect Abs With Cardio and Resistance
Conclusion
HIIT is an effective exercise for those looking to burn fat, build lean muscle mass, and improve their overall health and fitness. With minimal equipment needed and the ability to tailor HIIT workouts to any fitness level, this exercise is a great way to get fit and see results quickly. Give HIIT workouts a try today and watch your body transform!
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Article Sources
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- Boutcher, Stephen H. “High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise and Fat Loss.” Journal of Obesity, vol. 2011, 2011, p. 868305. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/868305.
- D’Amuri, Andrea, et al. “Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training for Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial.” BMJ Open Sport — Exercise Medicine, vol. 7, no. 3, July 2021, p. e001021. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-001021.
- Martin-Smith, Rhona, et al. “High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) in Healthy, Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 8, Apr. 2020, p. 2955. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082955.
- Viana, Ricardo Borges, et al. “Is Interval Training the Magic Bullet for Fat Loss? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).” British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 53, no. 10, May 2019, pp. 655–64. bjsm.bmj.com, https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099928.
