Recent lesson of note.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a performance improvement activity that takes interval training to a whole new level. It consists of short bursts of cardio (95% of maximum) followed by a brief rest period for the duration of 15 to 20 minutes. There are claims that it is just as effective, if not more, then a longer endurance activity.
We do a variety of HIIT at our MissFit Boot Camp sessions. Lisa has researched this type of exercise and her personal training resources all say the same thing: HIIT burns just as much fat as endurance activities and can also increase your resting metabolic rate 24 hours after the activity. All good things and all accomplished in a shorter length of time.
As the focus of my challenge is endurance training, I can still greatly benefit from this type of activity. My main issue is that my body and mind fight to conserve energy for long endurance activities. Lisa is a long distance runner at heart and understood my plight. She said it takes some time to figure out what your body is capable of. Back in her Bison Track days, her coach would have them run a series of short sprints. The spinters would be exhausted after each session, where as Lisa was slower but could go longer. The sprinters knew how to push their bodies to the max. The long distance runners know how to conserve and endure. These are both great skills to have, the trick is to push your body as your training requires.
When Lisa has us do one of these drills, she says we should be out of breath. Lately, I have been frustrated as I feel that I am working hard, but my breath is not labored. These sessions usually include on the spot lunges, bench work and side-to-sides. Monday, Lisa had us sprint intermixed with strength. This may not be the traditional HIIT, but I can tell you – I was breathing HARD! Leave it to running to push one to the max!
The morale of the story is, quick effective workout sessions are possible. If you hit a plateau and are looking to up your performance level – Hight Intensity Interval Training is the name of the game. Lesson learned.
