

Whether you are a proud member of the gym community or new to it, you have probably heard of HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training. HIIT stands out from other workout styles as it involves a series of short, explosive anaerobic exercises with brief rest periods between sets. The unique goal is to hit "failure"—the point of exhaustion.
If it sounds aggressive when you read it, that's because it can be. As with all popular workout fads, there's controversy over the effectiveness of this training style. However, as I always say, no one knows what's best for you but you! Ultimately, as with anything health or wellness, it will always require trial and error until you eventually reach your sweet spot. HIIT can be a game-changer, but it's not for everyone. It's intense; listening to your body and finding the right balance is essential.
HIIT workouts became very popular in 2014, claiming a top 10 spot for one of the most effective workouts surveyed by the American College of Sports Medicine. Popularity also skyrocketed in 2020 during the pandemic because, unlike other workouts, HIIT exercises can be done anywhere with zero equipment. I tried it daily when HIIT became the most sought-after trend. One thing about me is if someone says it's excellent for you, I'm doing it wholeheartedly until I'm spent.
The benefits of this particular type of exercise are extensive. It's a calorie and fat-burning powerhouse that can rev up your metabolic rate for the rest of your day. The best part? You can achieve these benefits in just a 15-20-minute workout. Yes, it's intense, but if you're short on time, don't have any equipment, or don't feel like spending an hour in the gym, this is the workout for you.
Everything I'm listing sounds optimistic about HIIT. Are you wondering when I'm going to debunk it? Here are my thoughts, and this is speaking from experience:
When HIIT emerged, I was captivated and dove headfirst, doing it daily. However, this intense approach left me feeling sore, depleted, and unmotivated. This personal experience taught me the importance of finding the right workout cadence; too much of anything isn't good for you. For this reason, I'd recommend HIIT if you do it twice a week or add specific HIIT movements to your existing workout routine to boost your heart rate. Regardless, recovery is crucial, no matter what exercise modifications you are trying.
When finding a workout that works best for you, remember: Variety is the spice of life! Incorporating workout enhancers, like HIIT, into your routine can be a great way to refresh and prevent the boredom and lack of motivation that can arise when working towards fitness goals. As I mentioned previously, high-intensity interval training isn't sustainable enough to do daily. Jumping around, doing burpees, split lunges, and jumping squats every day will eventually take a toll on your joints and never give your body time to build muscle and recuperate.
We have Sports Research products that can help if you need extra support. Try our Creatine Monohydrate to help build lean muscle and L-Glutamine for post-workout recovery.

Remember: You are the conductor of your brilliant life.
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