Tips on Getting started with high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Today we are going to talk about; my top tips if you want do dip your toes into HIIT training or High Intensity Interval Training.
It’s no-brainer, HIIT is the fastest yet super effective way to increase one’s fitness. Here’s how amazing it works – you bush your body hard for a shorter period, you rest, you repeat a few rounds and voila, you’re done! It’s THAT simple.
Even so, no matter how “simple” it may sound for us, it can still get quite scary for some – especially for the beginners! It’s a common fear, I know, to try something new, to do something unfamiliar and I’m here to tell you that it’s okay! I get you! It’s totally normal.
AND, it’s possible to break through that fear! You see, anyone can get started with HIIT and you don’t even have to be athletic to do so. With just the proper guidance & training, you can get by just fine – even at the comfort of your own home.
This is what I have found
In the beginning you do not need any fancy equipment or crazy andvanced movements. Its in fact best to stick to the basics in the beginning.
This is good news, because you can start doing HIIT even at your home.
Here are 5 useful hacks to remember when you start:
#1 Start with the basics.
Star jumps, floor runs, sprinting & burpees are the most basic exercises in HIIT. You don’t have to start big. You can start small & grow from there in time. You can do steady-state cardio & strength work first.
#2 Practice correct form.
Make sure you know what the correct form is for every exercise. How? Do your research! There are lots of resources online. Get a coach! To be guided is the best way to go about it. Otherwise, without the proper form, your HIIT wouldn’t be as effective.
#3 Wear the proper attire.
Wear the right attire – especially the right shoes. This will serve as the right support for your HIIT.
#4 Remember: warmup is key.
Don’t ever forget to warmup before every training. This helps in reducing the risk for fatigue & injury.
#5 Exercise at the most suitable intensity.
Lastly, don’t overdo it! Exercise at the most suitable intensity for you. You can even use lighter weights during your first few attempts and that’s totally normal.
So what’s the lesson here?
Is that when done right, its simple ,short and sweet - Use the tricks above and give yourself 4-8 weeks & build your fitness. As soon as you’re used to training regularly, you’ll feel more confident with your HIIT and even be open to try a new program.
However many people tend to over do it, in the beginning, so lets talk about duration that is required. Now, when it comes to the most advisable duration of HIIT for beginners, it’s a case-to-case basis. It may vary & will depend on whether you have other trainings, whether you are stuck or growing in your fitness journey & whether you have other programs to follow.
But, the most standard thing you can do as a beginner is to get started with one HIIT workout a week along with your other steady-state workouts and once you’re ready, you can start adding a second HIIT workout into your week and so. For the actual number of minutes or hours of your training period a day, you can go as short & as long as you want. For beginners thought, 10-15 minutes can a great place to start. Then, you can just increase the time as your fitness improves.
My advice, don’t be discouraged if you can’t keep going at the maximum effort — it's meant to be tough and it’s meant to take time. Be patient and consistent. Your hard work will eventually pay off.
Where to start:
At the end of every day, it’s about mindset & what you believe in. Well, if you’re gonna believe in someone or something, might as well believe in yourself, right? You can do it! You just have to believe that you can –
AND, if you need a little push down that road of self actualisation, I’d be happy to be your coach. If interested, you can book for a 20-minute consultation online.
