High Intensity Interval Training Workout
Sick and tired of doing the same old cardio workout and want to get the extra edge with your training? Here are some example High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts which you can try and apply to improve your regular workout, whether that be running, walking, cycling, swimming or boxing. The workouts below all use work intensities of 80% of maximum effort or heart rate (HR) and 60% of maximum effort or HR, with varying interval lengths and workout durations depending on fitness level from beginner to advanced.
If you have access to a heart rate monitor you can use age predicted maximum HR to gauge your exercise intensity. To calculate age predicted maximum HR, the easiest method is to use the age predicted method which is 220 beats per minute (BPM) – your age in years. For example if you are 35 years old, your age predicted maximum heart rate is 220 – 35 = 185BPM. So 80% of your max HR would be 185 x 0.85 = 157BPM.
Alternatively you can use a simple subjective perception of effort 0-10 scale, where 0 = complete rest and 10 = maximal exercise capacity. For more information on the benefits of HIIT, please refer to our previous blog post at this link:
What is High Intensity Interval Training
Beginner HIIT
Duration – 15 minutes
Work to Rest ratio – 1:3
Work Interval – 15 seconds @ 8/10 or 80% Max HR
Rest Interval – 45 seconds @ 6/10 or 60% Max HR
Intermediate HIIT
Duration – 30 minutes
Work to Rest ratio – 1:2
Work Interval – 30 seconds @ 8/10 or 80% Max HR
Rest Interval – 1 minute @ 6/10 or 60% Max HR
Advanced HIIT
Duration – 30 minutes
Work to Rest ratio – 1:1
Work Interval – 30 seconds @ 8/10 or 80% Max HR
Rest Interval – 30 seconds @ 6/10 or 60% Max HR
Written By Jack Hickey
Exercise Physiologist at MD Health Pilates