HIIT

I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t actually like running.

I have always been a runner, perhaps with intermittent enthusiasm, but running has always been the simplest option to get out and get fit…for free! I’ve done 5km, 10km, 12.5km, a half-marathon, following on from the high of which, I even registered for the 2016 London Marathon (didn’t get in)!

Over the past couple of years however I have tried my hand at other types of training from spinning to kettle bells, circuits and body conditioning, all of which I have loved! They offer variety, an opportunity to socialise and, above all, the way my body changed and felt after just a few weeks was immense. I felt strong, lean, toned and confident.

Running kept me fit but most often it would be on a treadmill, in a stuffy gym, with irritating earphones precariously balanced in my ears and everyone else around me focused on their own thing, staring blankly ahead until their machine beeped and slowed to tell them the deed was done. Running always feels like a chore.

I understand that this isn’t the same for everyone. And it isn't the case for me all of the time. For some, running gives them time to sort their head space, or the freedom to forget about everything else and just focus on pace and rhythm...and not falling over in plain sight of another human being. I’d love to be one of those people. Sometimes I am. But more often than not the thought of going for a run just bores me. I tell myself, I’ll go later, or tomorrow. It becomes counter-productive. I can admit that to the seemingly blank space that is this blog...

Given that I am currently unemployed, and thus watching my bank balance, I have turned to online HIIT sessions to keep me fit and entertained. It’s cold outside and we’ve already gathered that motivation to run is somewhat low so this way I am working out, in the comfort of my own home, and it’s all over in 20 minutes! Win win win!

HIIT isn’t a new phenomenon, nor is the science behind it, but it does seem that in recent times more and more people have become aware of it and addicted to it with classes and whole clubs/gyms devoted to it springing up all over.

In case you’ve missed it, High Intensity Interval Training involves short bursts of 20-40 seconds hard, intense anaerobic exercise following by a set recovery period of low-intensity activity or rest before doing it all over again, several times. It's tough, and it’s important to push yourself as hard as possible; you want to get your heart pumping to the near maximum and increase your metabolic rate.

There are so, SO many benefits to this type of workout. Not only can you squeeze it into even the most hectic of days:

• It torches fat. After the intensity of such a workout, when your muscles feel like they’re on fire and you’re out of breath, your oxygen stores are depleted so your body has to work harder to build them back up. This also means you reap the benefits of the ‘after-burn effect’ and can continue to burn calories 12-24 hours post workout.
• Research provides that HIIT can improve your aerobic fitness much faster than endurance training so you get rapid results for with less time investment
• You can tailor your HIIT workout to match your fitness levels, ease yourself into it with 20 seconds on, 40 seconds rest to build up your fitness
• It can be done anywhere (just be mindful of the neighbours as there can be a lot of bouncing around)!
• It’s cheap – no gym membership, no equipment needed though you may wish to download a (free!) HIIT timer
• It’s fun and there are so many workout videos out there to chose from if you're not confident to make up your own.

I still plan to run, I think a mix of HIIT and endurance training is best...I may even try my hand at yoga or pilates given my current state of (abysmal) flexibility. J hinted that he may be willing to sign up for this year’s half-marathon in which case, I’m in! But when I don’t feel like pounding the pavements, or I just fancy something different, HIIT is my go-to.