Happy (P)HIIT Year to you!
Acronyms capture attention perhaps out of mere curiosity to interpret and perceive the premise of something. Some of you may know what I am referring to. However, you’re likely perplexed by what the (P) represents in this case. Oh sure, phonetically it makes perfect sense since as you know, fitness is our business. But, there is more to explore.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a broad exercise program that involves short bursts of intense aerobic exercise followed by recovery periods. HIIT workouts can be beneficial for everybody, and can include a variety of selected exercises.
Intensity: Work periods are performed at 80–95% of your estimated maximal heart rate, pushing harder for as little as 5 seconds up to 8 minutes.
Recovery: Periods are performed at 40–50% of your estimated maximal heart rate, and can last as long as the work periods.
Duration: The alternating work and recovery periods continue traditionally for 10-60 minutes.
Exercises: HIIT scripts incorporate intervals such as the following modalities – rebounders, rowers, stationary bikes, treadmills, jump ropes, body-weight work, core exercises, kettlebells, weight machines or free weights.
The benefits of this type of training are innumerable for the mind, body, and overall wellbeing. It develops confidence, coordination, motor skills and reflexes, builds bone density, promotes power, and raises metabolic rates which improve the body mass index (BMI). This modality is diverse, quick and powerful. It serves those who really like to move, those who are overwhelmingly busy, and even those who really don’t like to exercise.
The drawback is the possibility of strains or in rare cases, major injury. No kidding, sometimes exercise regimes are approached in the extreme which is both good and bad. Perhaps you’ve incurred overuse strains or injuries from an inappropriate program, or you’ve unknowingly trained out of your personal range of exertion. Consequently, it is invaluable to collaborate with a pro because it just isn’t always innate to know.
This is why I do what I do. (P)ersonalized Pilates, Wellness, and Fitness programs can evaluate and encompass the whole person. I often say that we need to learn then discern how to train without strain.
Our clients hear me tout this so often. “An active life is a youthful life.” Of course, we all accept that a sedentary life is unhealthy, but also a stationary life is another negative existence. Merely moving for the sake of neither is better, but not best. (P)HIIT programs are a personalized selection of physical patterns to enhance your particular genetics, lifestyle, and beloved sport.
