Upgrade Your Hit Workout

Like pushing your body to its limits? Make sure you're getting the most out of high-intensity interval training

- Sarah Ivory

Here’s something you’re bound to have realised – high intensity interval training (HIIT, or intense bouts of exercise followed by brief periods of rest) isn’t going anywhere.

For the last four years, the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) has placed HIIT among its top five fitness trends. And it seems we can’t go a week without a new HIIT class launching. The appeal is obvious – HIIT is great for whittling waistlines – but how can you be sure you’re getting the most from your HIIT workout? Matt Crane, head coach at BE Elite Body Design (beelitebodydesign.com) warns that your body will master any form of exercise that you do regularly, leading to less progress over time. ‘Your body will get used to this type of training and you’ll need to change the way you work out,’ he says. And fitness experts worry that our gung-ho approach to training means we’re missing out on the benefits of performing exercises properly. ‘While moving fast will raise your heart rate and burn energy, doing the moves right is key to activating the correct muscles and maximising on your workout,’ explains Jess Schuring, founder of Heartcore (heartcore.co.uk). Not getting the results you’d like? Read on to nail your next HIIT class.

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