H.I.T- High Intensity Training. You’ve probably heard about it and most likely you thought it was a pretty cool name. But besides the catchy classification, HIT is a very effective and useful workout method.
HIT training is quite broad and encompasses a plethora of exercises and workout methods. The best way to describe HIT training is as the name says- high intensity. But what does that mean? Well, HIT is usually done in increments and incorporates an anaerobic workout. Anaerobic literally means “without air” and stands in contrast to its sister workout classification, aerobic, which means “with air.” Anaerobic workouts are often short, quick bursts of energy like sprints or pull ups. An aerobic workout would be a slow walk on a treadmill.
HIT training can be compromised of both aerobic and anaerobic workouts. For example, you could do a tremendous HIT workout on the treadmill by following this routine:
• Start off jogging at a 5.5 pace for 3 minutes
• Increase to a 9.0 pace for 3 minutes
• Jog back down to a pace of 5.5 for 3 minutes
• Increase to a 7.0 pace at a 5.0 incline for 3 minutes
This is an advanced workout but you can see where the HIT training comes into play here. The 9.0 sprint and uphill sprint are all done in short time periods with high intensity.
It’s not difficult to adhere to a HIT program. Find something that you can do at high intensity, for a short interval of time, and you’re doing a HIT exercise. It’s not rocket science. Let’s see what you come up with.
Tags: aerobic workout, Anaerobic workout, high intensity workout, HIT training