HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) seems to be all the latest craze, owing to how efficient it is in burning fat. Who wouldn’t prefer a 20-minute workout over an hour at the gym, especially if it meant losing weight faster? However, myths and misconceptions have evolved as a result of the popularity of HIIT. The following are some of the most prevalent HIIT misconceptions and mistakes, as well as the reality behind them:

1. Skipping your warm-ups and cool-downs.

HIIT involves high-intensity aerobic activities such as leaping, which can be stressful on the joints. Stretching prepares your body ready for high-intensity workouts. It may help with muscular soreness and recovery after a workout. As a result, it’s critical to remember to stretch in order to avoid injury.

2. Longer ≠better

HIIT is all about pushing yourself to your limits in short bursts of time. You only have a short window of time to do so before exhaustion sets in. You can’t do HIIT training for hours on end, just like you can’t keep a sprint for many kilometers. If you try to do HIIT for an hour, you will almost certainly take it easy at times, defeating the objective.

3. Your forms are wrong

Many individuals mistakenly believe that HIIT entails performing the most difficult variety of an exercise possible, rather than opting for good form and increased intensity, or selecting the most effective version of a movement. Bad form can place tremendous burden on joints, work the wrong muscle groups, and put you at risk for injury.

4. Resting too short/ too long.

It’s critical to stick to a strict schedule with short breaks in between exercise to get your heart rate down. You’d allow yourself plenty of rest time, generally around a 2:1 or 3:1 rest-to-work ratio. If you were running 20-second sprints, you would take a 40-second to one-minute break before starting the following interval.

5. You are not working out hard enough !

Exercising at the proper intensity will keep you from working out too hard or too little, and help ensure you meet your goals. The target heart rate in HIIT workout would be short work intervals (70% to 90% max heart rate) alternate with rest periods (60% to 65% percent max heart rate). You can estimate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. Another simpler method to keep track of your workout intensity is to use the talk test. You won’t need any special gear like a heart rate monitor.

6. You are not ready for HIIT, yet!

If you’re a beginner and not used to high-intensity workouts, start with general exercise and work your way up to HIIT. It’s preferable to ease into the HIIT workout gradually to minimize the risk of injury and muscle aches. When you’ve completed 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise, it’s time to boost the game and HIIT it ! For individuals with physical limitations or joint issues, HIIT workouts may be done using resistance bands, walking, or swimming for individuals with physical limitations or joint issues, as long as it raises your heart rate and then recover before continuing.

7. You are doing too much HIIT.

Although consistency is important, HIIT exercises should only be done three to five times each week. Rest is necessary for your body to heal. Muscles grow by repairing themselves. Pay attention to your body and avoid overdoing it.

8. Do not replace HIIT for regular cardio

You’d be missing out on cardiovascular endurance if you solely did HIIT workouts. Low-intensity steady-state cardio exercises are great for warming up and cooling down, as well as giving your muscles a break on recovery days.

9. Wearing improper shoe wear for HIIT.

HIIT usually involves a lot of jumping, which necessitates the use of supported shoes to support your ankle. You will be prone to injuries if you train in shoes that lack of stability and comfort.

10. Don’t be shy about asking for help !

If you’re in pain or have an injury, seek expert care right away! Don’t wait any longer, as this could cause more harm than benefit.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

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