HIIT or Miss? 5 Myths About HIIT Training, Busted
Fitness • December 22, 2021
Not seeing results from your regular routine? It might be time to incorporate HIIT training into your workout regimen. We’re breaking down some of the most common myths about HIIT training so you can get off the treadmill and into a studio.
MYTH #1: Longer = better.
The beauty of a HIIT routine is that you don’t need to dedicate hours of your day to training. The whole point of a HIIT class is to push yourself to your limits during shorter intervals of time. Meeting your max is difficult to do if you’re working out for more than an hour. An intense 30-minute HIIT workout can do more for your body and your health than even an hour steady-paced workout.
MYTH #2: HIIT classes will bulk you up.
If fear of bulk has been holding you back from taking your first HIIT class, fear no more. Contrary to popular belief, HIIT training will not build muscle mass. Instead, it will help you burn fat, maintain lean muscle and improve cardiovascular endurance. HIIT classes engage your entire body, torch calories, and boost metabolism; bulk is not included.
MYTH #3: You need fancy equipment.
While HIIT classes with certified trainers are the most effective way to learn the ropes, you don’t actually need any special equipment to complete a workout. Bodyweight HIIT workouts can be equally effective at burning calories as an equipment-heavy routine.
MYTH #4: HIIT can replace your cardio routine.
In order to get the most from your HIIT training, you shouldn’t skip cardio. While high-intensity interval training is a fast and effective way to burn calories, it shouldn’t replace a well-balanced routine. Just as your body requires balance in your diet, it requires balance in your fitness too in order to see the most effective results. Consider doing light cardio – like cycling or jogging – on your “off-days” in order to get the most from your training.
MYTH #5: You should target specific areas.
In order to get the most from your session, your HIIT training should never focus solely on one area of the body. HIIT classes are meant to be full-body workouts, so if you’re targeting specific muscle groups with each workout, you’re not getting the most value for your time.