5 Reasons Why HIIT Lovers Are Opting for Lower-Impact Exercise (Shape)

Posted: Jul 24, 2023 in In the News

This article originally appeared in Shape on July 24, 2023.

 

5 Reasons Why HIIT Lovers Are Opting for Lower-Impact Exercise

By Karla Walsh

If you've peeked at a gym schedule or your ClassPass app lately, you've likely spotted a wide range of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) options. Everything from CrossFit and cardio plyometrics fall under this umbrella, as do sprint workouts like Barry's Bootcamp and interval-infused routines like SoulCycle, CycleBar, and most Peloton classes.

But fitness experts and researchers agree: you need not pound so hard to score major wellness benefits. While HIIT routines and classes are still in high demand, word is slowly getting out about the potential gains you can get from lower-impact options, too.

Read on to learn more about how to work smarter rather than harder—and still rack up major muscle, mental health, and longevity benefits.

Understanding HIIT and Its Popularity

^{High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise strategy that uses alternating periods of short, intense exercise with less-intense recovery periods, explains Christopher Gagliardi, a San Diego, California-based scientific education content manager for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). These workouts can involve cardiovascular, muscular training, or both.}

^{The push periods are "designed to get your heart rate up high for short bursts that really push you to your max," adds Katie Dunlop, a Laguna Beach, California-based certified personal trainer, sports nutrition specialist, and the founder of Love Sweat Fitness and the MOVE app. Within 30 seconds or so during the "on" intervals, HIIT-ers should be nearly out of breath and at about 80 to 90 percent of maximum effort, adds Dunlop. Jump roping, box jumps, sprints, and burpees are all examples of traditional HIIT MVPs.}

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