A beginners guide to hiit classes

The thought of starting a new fitness routine can be daunting at the best of times, so if you’re starting out and worried that a lack of stamina or strength will stop you from being able to do a HIIT class, we’re here to help.

What is a HIIT class?

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, which sounds scary. Right? But the concept is pretty simple, you push yourself hard for short bursts and then rest in between.

The other option is something called LISS (low intensity steady state, like jogging for hours.). Both will do the job of making you fitter, but think of them as different tools in your box. LISS is perfect for lower intensity days, or when you want to improve long distance running or cycling for example.

HIIT is a great workout when:

  • You want to rev your metabolism

  • You want to burn more calories in less time (studies show you burn 25-30% more in the same time than the treadmill)

  • You want to reduce the time you spend working out but get results

  • You’d like to build lean muscle mass and improve definition

  • You want to improve athletic performance or stamina

  • You want to keep burning more energy after your workout.

So all of this sounds great, but should you be trying a HIIT class when you’re starting out on your fitness training?It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Good news, yes, and here’s why:

HIIT is short. Our MPower classes are designed to combine cardio and strength, and it’s over in just 45 minutes. In fact, the intense part of the session is over in more like 35 minutes, and you really don’t need to do more than that to get the results you want with HIIT training.

HIIT is adaptable. It’s all about going at a pace that’s tough, for you. If you’re rowing for 45 seconds, and you’re a beginner, you might be able to row 100m or so, but as you get fitter, you’ll notice that you can go further or faster without stopping. This means you can do your HIIT class at your own pace, without worrying about what the person next to you is doing. (It’s also why we don’t have any scary scoreboards or screens in our studio!)

HIIT doesn't mean high impact - People often mistake HIIT for a workout with lots of jumping or running, and while it can be, it doesn’t have to be. You can get your heart rate up without impact, just like we do on our MOHIITO rowers, which work 85% of the muscles in the body, all without impact. This is good news for your joints and pelvic floor.

If you’re looking to try HIIT classes in Bristol, then why not come and try out MPower class. Every Monday, we host a Lite session that’s HIIT at around 75% of our usual intensity, perfect for beginners and those looking to get their technique right.

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