What and how do HITT workouts work?

Blog

What and how do HITT workouts work?

Health & Fitness Tips | Fri, 14 Apr 2023


What is HIIT?

What is HIIT High Intensity Interval Training

What is a HITT workout is and why it’s so awesome? HITT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, and it’s a type of workout that involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or lower intensity exercise.

The idea behind HITT is to push your body to its limits and get your heart rate up as high as possible, then give yourself a break so you can recover and do it all over again. This type of training has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, and even help with weight loss.

Now, when I say “intense,” I mean it! HITT workouts are no joke, but the good news is that they can be tailored to any fitness level. So whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, there’s a HITT workout for you.

Here’s an example of a HITT workout: Let’s say you’re doing a cardio workout. You might start with a warm-up of jumping jacks or jogging in place for a few minutes. Then, you’ll do a round of high-intensity exercise, like sprinting or jumping rope, for 30 seconds to a minute. After that, you’ll take a short break (about 10-20 seconds), then repeat the high-intensity exercise for another 30 seconds to a minute. You’ll continue this pattern for several rounds, and then finish with a cool-down of lower-intensity exercise, like walking or stretching.

Remember, the key to a successful HITT workout is to push yourself to your limits and then give yourself time to recover. So give it your all, and you’ll see results in no time!

Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery after HIIT workouts

Rest and recovery after a HITT workout in very important! Now, I know you’re all fired up and ready to go, but listen up because this is crucial!

When you do a HITT workout, you’re pushing your body to its limits. You’re working at a high intensity and really challenging yourself. This is great because it helps you build strength and endurance, but it also puts a lot of stress on your body.

That’s why it’s so important to give yourself time to rest and recover after a HITT workout. When you rest, your body can repair the damage that was done during the workout. Your muscles can rebuild and grow stronger, and your cardiovascular system can recover.

If you don’t give yourself time to rest, you can actually do more harm than good. Your body won’t have a chance to recover, and you can end up feeling fatigued and run down. You might even be more susceptible to injuries.

So, here’s what I recommend: after a HITT workout, take some time to cool down and stretch. Then, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet that supports recovery. And finally, give yourself at least a day or two of rest before doing another high-intensity workout.

Remember, rest and recovery are just as important as the workout itself. So take care of your body, and you’ll see even better results in the long run!

Refuelling

Refuelling after a HIIT workout

Let’s talk about why food and water are so important after a HITT workout. Listen up, because this is important stuff!

When you do a HITT workout, you’re pushing your body to its limits. You’re sweating, you’re burning calories, and you’re using up your body’s energy stores. That’s why it’s so important to refuel your body after a workout, and that starts with food and water.

First of all, let’s talk about water. When you exercise, you sweat, and when you sweat, you lose water. If you don’t replace that water, you can become dehydrated. And let me tell you, being dehydrated is no fun. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even fainting. So, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water after your HITT workout to replace what you’ve lost.

Now, let’s talk about food. After a HITT workout, your body needs fuel to recover and rebuild. That means you need to eat! And not just any food, either. You want to make sure you’re eating healthy, nutritious foods that will help your body recover.

Alright, folks, let’s talk about the best foods to eat after a HITT workout! Listen up, because this is important stuff.

First up, we’ve got lean protein. Protein is important for repairing and rebuilding muscle, and after a HITT workout, your muscles are definitely in need of some TLC. Good options include chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu.

Next, we’ve got complex carbohydrates. These are important for replenishing the energy stores in your body that were depleted during your workout. Good options include brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and whole wheat bread.

And let’s not forget about fruits and vegetables! These are packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy and strong. Good options include spinach, kale, berries, and citrus fruits.

Last but not least, don’t forget about healthy fats! These are important for providing energy and keeping your body functioning properly. Good options include avocado, nuts, and seeds.

So, to sum it up, after a HITT workout, make sure you’re eating plenty of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be ready to tackle your next workout in no time!

More Information