Express Fat Loss with High Intensity Interval Training

By Martin Bolduc

You too can realize extremely effective express fat loss with high intensity interval training. You’ll be able to get a full body workout in 15 to 20 minutes that will leave you gasping. The result will be a marked increase in metabolism as well as long-term fat loss. Be sure to get as much rest as you can in order to benefit from the recovery period.

High intensity interval training is an excellent way to reduce your body fat level while increasing your muscle mass developing strength and muscle density as well. You’ll be able to accomplish in 15 to 20 minutes more than most people in the gym with hours of boring cardio and strength training.

For many people, a 10 minute high intensity program is enough to get you working hard and doing a lot of huffing and puffing. Stick to an aerobic exercise that incorporates large muscle groups and allows you to reach your cardiovascular limit. I like sprinting, spinning, jump rope and elliptical machine for this kind of workout because you can control your intensity very easily.

You also get to work the major muscles in the glutes, thighs and calves. Although these exercises are repetitive you’re going to be working so hard that you will definitely not be bored. Perform a moderate intensity five minute warm-up to get your body in the right level for working out. When you begin, work your exercise for 30 seconds; ramping up from 0 to 5 then rest either by stopping or going back to a level one or two. On your second set, go 30 seconds to a level 8 or nine then go back down for your rest period.

Your rest period should be somewhere within the region of 30 seconds with 90 seconds. Remember you’re going all out for 30 seconds so you might be taking it to a level 9 for a few seconds before you drop back down to your rest period. One interesting observation you’ll begin to make as you do this workout will be your limitations.

At the start of your program you might be able to jump rope adequately for 30 seconds but find your capacity diminishing with each set as you grow more tired. Each session may find you developing more reserves than you knew you had.

You may find that your ability to skip gets better and your lung capacity as well as your stamina improves. Within six weeks your level 5 intensity will have changed as you grow stronger and more resilient; last week’s level 9 is now this week’s level 5.

This seems to hold true regardless of the exercise you’re performing. As a beginner I recommend starting with 30 seconds on and 90 seconds off then gradually shortening your rest. At each session until you have a 30/30 split.

If you’re fairly fit and have done high intensity cardio, go ahead by starting with 30 seconds on and 60 seconds off. Adjust your rest as you develop stamina and strength. Advanced levels usually do at 30/30 split while continuing to increase the intensity from set to set. This brings new challenges as you try to top your last performance.

Beginners can start with six sets of intervals and work their way up to 10 or 12. Another tip for getting the most out of your workout is to change your exercises at each session; work the elliptical machine on Monday tried a jump rope session on Wednesday and do sprints on Friday. You’ll be amazed at how you’ll lose body fat fast under this kind of pressure.