So… You’ve been watching our videos, creeping around in our Instagram (it’s OK, we all do it) and you’ve even had conversations about the different classes with our instructors and maybe even our other members.
For those of you who have no idea what we’re talking about, that’s ok. We’re discussing our classes here at Aptitude Health, and in particular, our HIIT classes.
Found daily, they are one of the staple diets of our countryside gym – and they have grown into something of lore. With over 1000 participants in the last two years, there has to be a reason or several hundred as to why they are so beloved.
But if you’ve never done a HIIT class, let alone one of ours – whether it is SWEAT or RISE – then this blog is going to give you a bit more information about what you can expect from one, and where we like to mix things up and give you something positive to talk about.
What is HIIT?
Wikipedia describes HIIT as, “High-Intensity Interval Training is a training protocol alternating short periods of intense or explosive anaerobic exercise with brief recovery periods until the point of exhaustion.”
What this means is that you exercise in short bursts, followed by a short rest period back to the exercise. …such as…
You do, star jumps for 30 seconds followed by a 10 second rest followed by another set of star jumps for 30 seconds. Rinse and repeat.
What is SWEAT, RISE & APTITUDE
SWEAT, RISE & APTITUDE are the three names we’ve given to classes specifically for HIIT training which can be found daily at our gym.
What are the differences between SWEAT, RISE & APTITUDE
Whilst they are both HIIT classes, they differ in their approach and in the use of the equipment and bodyweight exercise portions.
For example, a Friday RISE class will start with a 40 second exercise (set 1), followed by a 10 second rest, followed by a 50 second exercise (set 2), followed by a 10 second rest, followed by a 1 minute exercise (set 3) straight into a bodyweight exercise and then a 20 second rest.
Some of our trainers also like to incorporate a section in the class dedicated to a body part, mainly abs which helps fuel your anger towards them – only joking…
What are the benefits of a HIIT workout?
With all this jumping and running around, you have to ask the question, what are the benefits of doing a HIIT workout?
There are lots, and our sessions really like to push you – we’ve seen some incredible transformations both physically and mentally from our clients over the last three years, and it’s where our gym started, a room with some mirrors and basic equipment. HIIT is a backbone of our establishment and we really understand the benefits as well as seeing it first hand in our client transformations.
It’s adaptable
HIIT workouts offer a wide variety of exercises that can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals. From bodyweight exercises to incorporating equipment like kettlebells or jump ropes, HIIT classes can be tailored to challenge beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
We literally use anything we can get our hands on. Some exercises will involve the tyre flip which is perfect for upper body strength, other exercises can include bikes, ski ergs, jumps and dumbbell presses… Everything is covered!
It’s efficient!
HIIT workouts are known for their efficiency. The short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods, make them time-effective while still delivering significant fitness benefits. Our sessions really target everything in their 45 minute & 60 minute classes respectively. You can get a full-body workout that may be as effective as longer, traditional workouts.
It burns calories
HIIT workouts can help burn a lot of calories in a relatively short time due to their high-intensity nature. The intense bursts of activity followed by short recovery periods can elevate your metabolism, leading to continued calorie burning even after the workout ends.
Using a MyZone application, we’ve seen clients burn in excess of 1000 calories before breakfast! This is obviously on the higher scale but rest assured, burning anything close to 500 calories is pretty much the norm.
Good for the heart
HIIT workouts challenge your cardiovascular system, improving heart health and increasing your overall endurance. Regular participation in HIIT classes can enhance your heart’s efficiency, leading to better circulation and oxygen utilization.
Post workout relief
HIIT workouts trigger the “afterburn effect” or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). This means your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate even after you’ve finished exercising, aiding in fat loss and muscle repair.
We know that HIIT classes can help you hit your fitness goals, and our classes aim to do that every single day. With the mixture of exercises and even trainer approaches, no two sessions are the same, there is always something unique going on.
From how hard you push yourself to changing routines, HIIT is an incredible way to burn calories, build muscle and endurance in a short amount of time.
Why not visit the gym and try a session, you may find yourself loving what it’s all about.
