Why a 30 minute HIIT workout is the most effective for fitness

If you hate the treadmill or running and don’t like to take part in most fitness classes because you’ve got two left feet like me then a 30 minute HIIT workout (High Intensity Interval Training) could be your new go-to exercise.

Fitting workouts into our busy schedules can be difficult as lets face it, we’re not all VS models whose job is to look absolutely fabulous and have the time to exercise all day everyday, but that’s the beauty of HIIT. I’ve been doing HIIT for a few years now and it’s become my fave activity that doesn’t involve eating or getting drunk. The main reason being is because it only takes 30 minutes to complete – I have a short attention span. You’ll find some classes can be 45 minutes but the majority are only 30. There are a number of HIIT classes available in gyms across the UK so if you’re not sure what’s available or what they even are carry on reading.

What is a HIIT workout?

To burn fat effectively and build muscle, you need to speed up your resting metabolism as well as working big muscle groups with high intensity intervals. I wasn’t sure either so for those who don’t know, your resting metabolism is the total number of calories your body burns when resting (sat on your ass).

HIIT training involves quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short or active recovery periods. Generally, our bodies don’t begin to burn fat as a fuel source until 30 minutes of exercise however, HIIT workouts keep your heart rate up and as a result burns more fat in less time. Bonus! 

The four main benefits are:

• Increases your metabolism
• Quick and convenient
• No equipment needed
• Workout can be done anywhere

What are the specific types of 30 minute HIIT workouts?

There are 3 main types of HIIT workouts that include Metafit, Grit and Insanity. Each training type is 30 minutes per session and is available at most gyms. If you don’t have a gym membership, there are hundreds of videos for each of these on Youtube that can be done from anywhere, (we recomend FitnessBlender) no gym needed!

Metafit

Metafit is the original 30 minute workout which combines the latest HIIT training with traditional bodyweight exercises and Tabata techniques. Created by a former Royal Marine and a national gymnast, (I was scared too), the workout is designed to push your body to the limit for a short but intense period which means your metabolism goes into crazy overdrive.

Working your absolute ass off in these workouts mean you’ll keep burning calories for up to 24 hours. That wasn’t a typo – 24 hours! It doesn’t mean you can sneak a maccies afterwards though and it will be like it never existed.

Typical exercises for Metafit include variations of squats, burpees, push-ups, lunges, squat jumps and planks.

Grit

Grit is part of the Les Mills Fitness Program which is made up of three different 30 minute HIIT workouts including Grit Strength, Grit Plyo and Grit Cardio. Strength is designed to improve strength and build lean muscle.

Plyo is a plyometric workout which pushes you to perform like an athlete. And Cardio, increases speed and improves your cardiovascular fitness whilst maximizes your calorie burn. I like to mix it up with all three.

Insanity

Finally, Insanity fitness is a total body workout that also requires no gym or equipment, although I’d definitely suggest a mat for floor exercises unless you want a crippled back. These workouts force you to work as hard as you can for 3-minute intervals, with 30-second periods of rest in between.

This program is available on DVD as well as in some gyms, so if you’re allergic to gyms or feel more comfortable in your own home then this might be more ideal for you.

There are 1440 minutes in a day, it only takes 30 minutes for a decent workout – no excuses! Time to get fit.

Read Next: Easy ways to get fit without going to the gym!