Fitness classes explained: What is HIIT training?

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. Although the title can sound quite daunting, don’t be afraid – you will be surprised what your body is capable of in short bursts, and the results speak for themselves.

As the name suggests, these workouts are about doing quick sessions of very intense exercise. It is essentially the modern version of circuit training.

It can involve equipment like weights, resistance bands or steps, or can work with just your body weight during various exercises.

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Virgin Active personal training manager Hugh Hanley explains: ‘Not only do you burn more calories during a HIIT workout, but the effect of all that intense exertion kicks your body’s repair cycle into overdrive.’

That’s not all – it also works to increase your metabolism. ‘HIIT stimulates production of your human growth hormone, which is responsible for increased caloric burn.’

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Hugh adds that it’s also ideal for building muscle and toning up:

‘If your goal is to change body shape, you are looking to maintain muscle and torch your fat. This is where HIIT comes into its own, as the high intensity sections of the workout will increase your resting metabolic rate for upwards of 24 hours after exercise.’

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‘HIIT is the ideal workout for a busy schedule. Whether you want to squeeze in a workout during your lunch break or are rushing home to the family, high intensity training gets you in and out of the gym quickly.

HIIT is the perfect solution for the excuse of not having any time to work out.’

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You can organise a programme with a personal trainer or join classes at the gym.

Virgin Active has recently introduced 5 new pieces of kit nationwide, and will be running HIIT circuit classes with them.

You can also try Tabata, another high intensity training class taken from martial arts workouts, which is available in various gyms around the country.

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