HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is a training method which employs maximal levels of effort (intensity) for short periods of time, incorporating moderate recuperation periods in between each effort in the form of rests or lowered intensity.
HIIT is fast becoming recognized as one of the most important training strategies, and is extremely useful for both fat loss and gaining muscle. Despite this, it’s nothing new: the methods and concepts of HIIT have been utilized by smart bodybuilders, strength trainees, and coaches for decades.
Legendary bodybuilding coach Vince Gironda once remarked at how it was ridiculous to take any longer than 3 minutes between sets of an exercise, and training sessions should be kept short and also advocated high intensity to build muscle and lose fat – which are the very core principles of HIIT.
For those who dislike long, drawn out weight training sessions and cardio workouts, then employing HIIT principles into your training may do wonders for your results.
HIIT is all about pushing yourself to near maximal effort for short periods of time, rather than training less intensely and but for longer.
For incorporating HIIT into weight training, you may try adding more weight to the bar, and having shorter rest periods. And for cardio, may try alternating between higher intensity, and lower intensity as a means of recovering.