The hiit workout is becoming increasingly popular. Especially as a beginner you should pay attention to a few things during the training.
The hiit workout for beginners: definition and process
The abbreviation “Hiit” stands for High Intensity Interval Training. Translated, this means something like high-intensity interval training and thus already fundamentally defines what it is actually about. You can choose between two forms: One possibility is to switch between exercises that are highly intensive and exercises that are more relaxed. Alternatively, intensive training intervals can be interrupted with short breaks.
Before training begins, it makes sense to do a quick warm-up. This does not have to be a long process: it is enough if the muscles are warmed up for about five to ten minutes with easy exercises. This way you can avoid injuries and start the exercises optimally.
Basically, the Hiit workout is suitable for everyone. The training goal can be set individually and the training success can be achieved through the right motivation. Especially at the beginning, the workout is particularly strenuous for the body; However, if you stay on the ball, the body will adjust to it after a certain time.
Inspiration: This is what a hiit workout could look like
The hiit workout can be designed as you wish. Ideally, you can choose the sports that you also enjoy: In this way, the highly intensive training also has a fun factor. Suitable sports include cycling, running, jumping rope, weightlifting or classic circuit training with exercises such as squats or burpees.
As a beginner, the duration of a training session should be around 20 minutes. Depending on the training progress and resilience, the duration can be slightly increased on a weekly basis so that you can achieve maximum effects. The number of repetitions per interval can also be varied according to the level of training.
For example, an idea for a beginner hiit workout at home would be 20 seconds of hard work followed by 30 seconds of rest. For example, you can choose jumping jacks, push-ups, crunches, squats, burpees and planks as exercises. You can then repeat this in four intervals to fill the 20-minute training time.
Equipment needed for a hiit workout
When it comes to efficient training, many people initially think of classic training with fitness equipment. However, hiit training follows a different concept, making it highly attractive to a large audience.
Most of the exercises amount to training with your own body weight. Equipment is therefore not necessarily required: You can carry out the workout whenever and wherever you want. Duration, time and location can be determined by yourself: Training outdoors is also possible. The training also collects a plus point because it is so inexpensive.
If you still want to train with training equipment, this is also compatible with the Hiit workout. Depending on which exercises you want to do, a sports mat*, resistance bands, kettlebells* can be used as equipment.
What does the hiit workout bring?
Compared to typical cardio endurance training, hiit training should be able to boost fat burning even more effectively. This is achieved by stimulating the metabolism: a plus point for anyone who wants to achieve rapid training success.
The metabolism should be boosted so much by the strong stress phases that a so-called “afterburn effect” occurs. This means that fat and calorie burning continues the day after your workout
Muscle building can also be achieved through exercises that require heavy muscle strain. Hiit training can therefore increase endurance and stimulate the build-up of muscle mass.
Possible mistakes in the hiit workout: You should pay attention to this
In order for the Hiit workout to be able to produce maximum success, it is important to give the body time to regenerate. Ideally, the regeneration phase should last at least one day so that the body can be fully loaded again during the next training session. It is recommended to do the training about twice a week at the beginning. Advanced users can also increase the training to three or even four units.
The training itself should not be underestimated: the body is repeatedly subjected to maximum stress. Especially as a beginner, you should be careful not to overdo it right away, but to start with fewer repetitions and gradually challenge yourself more. To avoid injuries, you should make sure you do the exercises correctly. It is also important to always repeat the exercises on both sides of the body: This way you avoid one-sided training.
If you want to achieve your goals, you should not only pay attention to the training itself, but also to your diet. Even if the metabolism is stimulated by physical activity, the basis for success is a balanced and healthy diet.