So what is the best way to get fitness levels up after a lazy stint? By punishing yourself with Hiit.
There are so many different ways and methods to do High Intensity Interval Training, like my 12 minute workout. So Matt and I decided to do some hill sprints. (Ouch).
We would then walk down the steps to lower our heart rate before doing it all over again.
The main goal in Hiit is to make sure you push yourself to the maximum for 20-30 second (increase as you get stronger) and then recover for the same amount of time (decrease as you get stronger).
This is a very effective way to get your blood pumping and to burn fat.
Hiit is proven to keep your metabolism revving for between 24 and 48 hours after the exercise is finished.
That is because oxygen can't get to the muscles as easily during periods of intense exercise. So once the exercise is over your muscles work to make up for the loss.
Don't worry it sounds scary but it is all very safe - however if you start to feel dizzy then stop. It is the same as with all exercise, you must be careful not to push your body too far.
Combining this interval training with strength/weight/body weight training is highly effective at helping reduce your waist size.
Another bonus of Hiit, is the time it takes to complete. Unlike a long run where you have to go for an hour to burn 500-800 calories (depending on weight and speed) this is effective at burning hundreds of calories in half an hour and it continues to do so for hours after.
So rather than spending your evening at the gym, do a 30 minute intense work out - even less depending on the work out and the exercises incorporated.
Yes it is hard, yes I did moan, but yes, I felt great for it.
As mentioned before, this is only one example of Hiit. I have previously given another example and you can always do a minute of burpees, sprints, jumping jacks, etc, in between weight sessions.
