TLDFitness Beast, Rest, Repeat you read and think what?
The simple answer is HIIT: High Intensity Interval Training.
What is HIIT ?
HIIT is exercising for short bursts of time and working as hard as you can followed by recovery and repeating the process for up to 20 minutes. The amount of time that you work and rest for is varied and depends on fitness levels and the exercise you are performing. At the moment I have been doing 30 seconds running and 30 seconds recovery on the treadmill but have now got to a point where my fitness has improved and I have felt I could work harder and I need to increase the intensity.
Why does HIIT work for weight loss?
The simple answer is that you continue to burn calories at rest for hours once you have finished training. This is due to your resting metabolic rate being raised and EPOC occuring (Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption).
It is one of my favourite and most hated ways of training. I love the results it has helped me achieve but at the same time I do dread the thought of some of the sessions I have planned. I like to mix up my sessions whether it is an equipment based session or a body weight session they both help to achieve the results I want, strength and weight loss.
How often should I do HIIT sessions ?
Personally I try to do 2-3 HIIT sessions a week but no more than that as they are high intensity and your body needs time to recover. If you over do these types of sessions you are making yourself susceptible to injury and over training.
Look at incorporating a HIIT session into your weekly routine and see the benefits that it will bring to you.