I want to lose weight
Want help to lose a few pounds and fast? Research shows that Highintensity Interval Training (HIIT) will help you achieve that goal but, to steal a quote from Fame, this ‘is where you start paying’. ‘I’m not going to lie, it hurts! Especially at the beginning,’ warns HIIT specialist Seana Forbes. ‘But don’t be put off. It does get easier over time. The body just needs to get used to working so hard.’
WHAT IS HIIT? Put simply, it’s a type of interval training that alternates periods of high-intensity exercise with shorter periods of rest. It’s definitely a time-efficient way to burn calories. Most sessions won’t last more than 30 minutes and they can feature sit-ups, squat jumps, pull-ups, running, cycling and weights.
WILL IT SUIT ME? ‘Find a personalised programme that offers something for beginners,’ suggests Seana. ‘If you’re not used to the movements or don’t want to join a class of experienced others, then try it at home with an app that shows you how to perform each move. Technique is extremely important, so you need to get this right before you even think about speed.’ Find great HIIT workouts on fitness app Freeletics (freeletics.com).
WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME? As well as being great for weight loss (it boosts metabolism, burning from 6% to 15% more calories than an aerobic workout), it’s also said to help lower blood pressure, up heart health and improve cholesterol profiles.
WHAT IF I’M NOT FIT ENOUGH? Then High-intensity Incidental Physical Activity (HIIPA) could be for you. This is where you just do short bursts of activity to get you huffing and puffing for a few seconds. Some examples include walking uphill, playing with children at their pace or cycling home from work. Experts think that even these shorter exercises can improve fitness.
Seana Forbes is a training specialist at leading fitness app Freeletics (freeletics.com).