High Intensity Interval Training

Welcome to the H.I.I.T series. High Intensity Interval Training is fast being recognised as one of the best methods of losing weight that exist.

Let's begin by understanding clearly what it is. Well in fact to some extent it's exactly what you want it to be!

Simply take any cardio exercise and alternate between all out activity for a few seconds and then rest or go very slowly. Then repeat. How long you do each set for depends on the activity itself as well as your level of fitness. 

Don't burst your lungs  - start very unambitiously and gradually pick the pace up. To begin with perhaps pick 3 exercises and do say 3 -5 sets - 10 seconds all out and 50 seconds minimal / rest.  Each week gradually increase the all-out time to 30 seconds and reduce the rest to 30 seconds. Then start increasing the number of sets and then start adding the different exercises. Ultimately you are looking for a workout capable of lasting 20 - 30 minutes. And that's it for the day!

The point here is to avoid the gym-hoggers who spend half a day on a treadmill or elliptical machine going at the same steady pace. Not only are they irritating to other would-be users who can't get on the machine, but the are largely wasting their time (any movement is better than none at all but if you're investing time travelling to and from the gym and getting changed, why not do it properly and have a hope of losing weight?

Watch the series on this and happy exercising

Andy