There is a lot more to High Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT) than just Burpees, aggressive 'militant style' instructors - resulting in you in a pool of sweat, demotivated on the floor at the end of a session.

Let B! enlighten you a little more on this training style and why it is so popular.

What is HIIT? And why do people like it?

Essentially HIIT is a short sharp burst of very hard cardiovascular exercise, followed by a rest period and then repeated. It tends to be popular due to the minimal length of workout time.

Typically a HIIT session will last between 20 to 45 minutes, with minimal equipment required - opposite to a long slog on the treadmill or cross trainer, which let's be honest, sounds far more convenient and appealing in a world where we all seem to be time shy.

Intensity is Key!

The word 'Intensity' in the name of HIIT is a give away as to what is important in expecting results.

You won't get results by simply going through the motions or bumbling through a HIIT session in your front room without putting maximum effort in.

You've got to do it right and on a scale of 1-10 (10 being all-out hard) you're looking at putting in a 9 for effort!

All exercise will burn calories. But studies have shown that bouts of high intensity exercise, the type that leaves you out of breath (like HIIT), raises your metabolic rate to the point that you will burn

calories even after you finish; even when you're at home on the sofa - result!

HIIT is great, but it's not the only way to train.

A few notes to touch on. Firstly HIIT isn't for everyone, and also may not be in line with your personal fitness goals. Check with one of our fitness professionals to get their thoughts on if HIIT suits your needs.

HIIT is very demanding and as with any exercise programme, if you are starting out or unsure whether or not you are up to it, check with a doctor first.

Remember; keep a check on your calories. Just because HIIT is super hard, it doesn't mean you can neglect your diet.

After all, you cannot out-train a bad diet! And as mentioned before, HIIT is typically performed with little or no equipment and is always based around short sharp burst of energy.

So, having a balanced and varied exercise regime that incorporates cardio as well as lifting weights, working on posture and mobility, will give you the best overall results for a healthy lifestyle.

Any questions, ask a member of staff at B! and we'll be able to advise you further. If you do want to try one of our popular HIIT classes, they are available across both our clubs at the below times.

Lyme Regis (01297442266): Friday 08:30-09:00, Wednesday 18:15-18:45

Honiton (0140446677): Monday 18:15-18:45, Wednesday 09:30-10:00

The beauty of doing this in a class or with a personal trainer (especially at B!), is that all the timings and exercise selection is done for you. It's just a case of turning up and putting everything you've got into it!

Written by Duncan Bryant, Operations Manager at B! Fitness Ltd.

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