Motivation included

Stay inspired and enjoy exercise with this challenging hi it workout

T he fitness, fat-loss and time-saving benefits of highintensity interval training (HIIT) have all been well documented, and its presence on gym floors is hard to miss. But new research from Mcmaster University in Ontario, Canada has found yet another reason why HIIT is far more than just a fitness fad, and we reckon you’re going to want to hear it.

When first starting a training programme, motivation levels tend to be high. But as time goes on, we get bored, feel less challenged and find other things to prioritise. Sadly, by the time this happens, you may not yet have seen the results you’d hoped for. If you’ve ever felt your motivation wane, or you’ve found it hard to stick to a plan for long enough to see a difference, HIIT might be your ticket to success.

The new study suggests that HIIT plans are more enjoyable than moderate exercise, and therefore easier to stick to – which is crucial for results. The study consisted of two groups of sedentary young adults: those who took part in moderate workouts and those who took part in high-intensity workouts. Both groups began the study enjoying the programmes, but this level of enjoyment did not increase and, in fact, also began to eventually decline for those doing moderate exercise. However, in the HIIT group, enjoyment levels rose with progress.

If you’re looking for a new HIIT workout to get your motivation soaring, try this super-simple full-body barbell complex...