One of best exercise workouts you can do is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Tabata.
What's the difference between HIIT and Tabata?
Here's how I define it:
My HIIT workouts are 12 rounds of 20 seconds of intense exercise (you're at 80-100% max intensity, barely able to talk), followed by 40 seconds of recovery (I still remain active - it is not good to just stop). You'll need at least 1 1/2 minutes of warming up and a cool down period as well.
Tabata is 8 rounds of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest.
What are the benefits of HIIT?
- Increased cardiovascular fitness - great for your heart!
- Increased metabolism and fat-burning.
- An incredible workout in much less time!
I also experience a "runner's high" afterwards - due to the strenuousness of the workout. That's a big ol' plus right there, too!
One thing you may not realize is that your body, over time, becomes acclimated to your regular workout routine. When you add in 2 HIIT workouts a week, just watch what it does to your weight, your fitness, and how great you feel (although when you're doing those intense intervals, it can feel...well...intense!).
My current weekly workout schedule includes:
- 2 HIIT workouts
- 3 outdoor walks (at least 30 minutes)
- 3 LISS (low-impact/low-intensity steady-state) cardio workouts
- 2-3 weight/resistance training sessions - usually following HIIT workouts.
I created my first YouTube Tabata workout this week for you, so you can follow along with a video made exclusively for women over 50 and beginners.
Most Tabata and HIIT workouts include some sort of exercise that is horrible for your joints - like burpees, for example. Yikes! You don't need to compromise your joints (and ability to walk 🙂 to do HIIT workouts.
I'll be doing more Tabata and HIIT workout videos in the future - because they're incredibly effective at getting us fit!
Here's my new video - you'll need a set of light weights (5 - 10 pounds) for the first exercise - but this is optional.