My first HIIT session
Wow. I just got back from my first try at High Intensity Interval Training, and damn, it was hard. I remember going into it thinking that the short time periods would be so much easier than long, boring, 45-minute runs. It might be shorter, but it’s not easier.
I started out with a light jog for four minutes, followed by some stretching. I then did four intervals of 30-second sprints followed by 30-seconds of rest. After the second sprint, I adjusted it to 60 seconds of rest. I’m totally not used to sprinting. After the four intervals, I cooled down and did more stretching. Got back to my car after exactly 15 minutes.
Was it easier? hell no. Was it quicker? Tons. I’m going to try the workout schedule from Muscle Media (found here) and add one interval every third day, building up to 15 intervals at week 8. With Christmas only a few weeks away, I may have to adjust it slightly, but that is my goal. I also consider today a test run, and tomorrow will be the official “first” day of the training.
When I got back to the house, and hopped on the scale, I got another surprise; 228.2 lbs. Another pound less than I’ve seen in a while.
HIIT hurt a lot, but it is really great to feel that I got a worthwhile workout in in such a short period of time, and have the hope that if I can stick with this, my ‘long’ workouts will be 15 minutes, instead of an hour of mind-numbing jogging, while still losing weight and building muscle. Very cool.
Feb 21st 2008
hi how long should hiit last on a bike?
May 10th 2008
I use to be just like that. I talked to this personal trainer one day and he said the best way to stay motivated is to make a journal of exactly what you do every single day. Honestly it really work when I looked at it on paper it was different. When you see no improvement on paper in terms of reps, sets, and distance and haven’t done anything you feel like a lazy asshole that day then get motivated to get on them running shoes and pull out the wieghts.
Aug 14th 2008
Hi, I did a google on HIIT as I want to add it to my routine. Like you, I hated running. Notice the past tense. I now like running because I’m now on a hormonally balanced diet called the Zone Diet. You can google it for more information, but it is a moderate, balanced diet that yields amazing results. Joslin Diabetes Centers recommends a diet that is almost identical. Dr. Sears, the creator, has worked with athletes that have brought home 24 gold medals. Jenny Thompson was the most prolific Zoner medalist and her count was just surpassed by Michael Phelps a day or two ago.
Christian Vande Velde is a Zoner - he recently finished 5th in the Tour de France.
I’d also recommend spending some google time on “pose running.” It has helped me a lot, but takes some time to get your calf muscle strong enough to support the work load.
I’m a decade your senior and I feel better than ever - and I mean this factually. I really really do feel better than ever. I effortlessly lost 25+ lbs of fat while adding ~70 lbs to my bench press - I started pretty weak.
My foundation is the Zone Diet, pose running is a great tool and I hope to add HIIT as another tool in my arsenal.
Best of luck in your exercise adventures.