HIIT for weight loss: Here’s what you need to know

If you’re looking to lose weight, you may be wondering what the most effective exercise for weight loss is. Many people turn to the benefits of HIIT for weight loss, hoping that the high intensity of these workouts will boost their ability to achieve fast results.

But how effective is HIIT for weight loss, and should you give it a try for your next workout?

What is HIIT?

High-Intensity Interval Training, more commonly known as HIIT, involves short bursts of intense exercise (usually around 30-40 seconds) followed by brief recovery periods. These workouts usually last under 30 minutes, making HIIT a great way to fit exercise into a busy schedule.

There’s no denying that HIIT can be challenging. It is designed to push your cardiovascular system to its limits, enabling you to achieve noticeable results within a short period of time. You’ll need high levels of motivation and good physical stamina to push yourself through a HIIT workout. However, the rewards are more than worth it.  

What are the benefits of HIIT?

HIIT workouts can be extremely beneficial if done correctly. They help to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthening your cardiovascular system, and improving your circulation. This helps to build your athletic endurance and stamina.

HIIT is a great way to burn calories and lose fat whilst building lean muscle. In fact, it’s estimated that the average person burns almost 300 calories in a 30 minute HIIT workout, that’s almost 10 calories per minute! This makes HIIT workouts an effective way to boost your weight loss.

You don’t just burn calories during a HIIT workout, either. HIIT workouts have been proven to increase your metabolism, meaning that you burn more calories even when you’re resting. This means that you’ll continue to burn calories at a faster rate, even after your HIIT workout ends.

Many studies have also found that HIIT is more effective for weight loss than steady cardio activities such as running or cycling.

Finally, HIIT workouts typically require minimal or even no equipment to take part. Thanks to their short duration, they are easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules and the varied nature of HIIT means that you won’t get bored.

What type of exercises does HIIT include?

HIIT workouts typically involve cardio-based activities, but they may also encompass some strength-training exercises too. There aren’t any exercises that are exclusively HIIT, but there are many exercises that you’ll commonly find within a HIIT workout.

The most effective HIIT exercises are compound exercises which work several parts of your body at the same time. These are typically performed at a fast pace, requiring a high level of effort.

Here are some of the most common HIIT exercises:

• High knees

• Squat jumps

• Burpees

• Lunges

• Star jumps

• Skater jumps

• Jump rope

• Push-ups

• Crunches

Can you do HIIT at home?

Although it’s perfectly possible to do HIIT workouts at home, HIIT is most effective when done with a personal trainer. This is because a personal trainer can ensure that the HIIT exercises you do are tailored to your abilities and goals.

Hiring a personal trainer to lead your HIIT workouts will ensure that you’re using the correct techniques to minimize your risk of injury and maximize the effects of your workout. Not only will this help to prevent you from needing to take time out to recover from injury, but it’ll also boost your chances of success when it comes to losing weight through HIIT.

Your personal trainer will also give you the encouragement that you need to keep you motivated throughout your workout – something that can be challenging with HIIT workouts due to their high intensity.

How to find a Personal Trainer for HIIT

HIIT is popular with many personal trainers thanks to its long list of benefits and its ability to boost weight loss whilst toning your body. It shouldn’t be difficult to find personal trainers who utilize HIIT techniques in their training, but it isn’t always easy to choose the right personal trainer for your needs.

The most important thing to look for when you’re hiring a personal trainer for HIIT is reviews and testimonials from genuine clients. This will give you the reassurance that your chosen personal trainer is experienced in working with clients like yourself.

When you search for a personal trainer on Bark, you can browse the profiles of local professionals and read genuine reviews from former clients. Once you’ve found the ideal personal trainer, you can request a quote and ask any questions. It really is as easy as that.