High Intensity Interval Training

(HIIT) For Fast Workouts and

Fierce Results!

Brought to you by:

Rip Toned Fitness

www.RipToned.com
Contents
Introduction: Taking Your Health and Fitness to the Next Level ......................................... 2
The Pros and Cons of High Intensity Interval Training .....................................................................3
The Potential Risks and Downsides of HIIT ..........................................................................................3
So Who is High Intensity Interval Training Right For? ......................................................................4
Why and How HIIT Works ................................................................................................................. 5
Dramatic Fat Burning Results ...................................................................................................................5
Decreased Insulin Sensitivity ....................................................................................................................6
Aerobic Capacity, Endurance, and Strength ..........................................................................................6
Getting Started with High Intensity Interval Training ............................................................. 8
Creating Your HIIT Program......................................................................................................................9
Integrating HIIT into Your Existing Fitness Program ..................................................................... 10
Sample Treadmill HIIT Program ........................................................................................................... 11
Sample Strength Training HIIT Program ............................................................................................ 11
Tips for HIIT Success ........................................................................................................................ 13
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 14

www.RipToned.com 1
Introduction: Taking Your Health and Fitness to the Next Level

There are many different approaches to fitness, weight loss, and exercise. As science progresses
and more research studies are conducted, new strategies surface. Additionally, as more people
become active and start a fitness program, awareness for different techniques and approaches
grows.

One such approach is called High Intensity Interval Training (or “HIIT”). It’s a type of training
that was actually pioneered by different people at different times. The training that you see
today is an adaptation and combination of the initial approaches.

HIIT is an advanced form of interval training. Interval training consists of putting in a moderate
effort for a specific period of time and then cranking it up. For example, interval training for a
runner might include running at an 11-minute mile pace for five minutes, followed by 8-minute
mile pace for one minute. You’d alternate this intensity level for a few cycles.

HIIT takes it up a notch and truly increases the intensity. With this type of exercise the athlete
puts forth a period of high intensity effort followed by a short rest followed by another period
of high intensity. One of the most notable HIIT formats is called the Tabata. It is 20 seconds of
intense effort followed by 10 seconds of rest. This is repeated for 8 cycles, or four minutes
total.

The Tabata workout can be applied to a number of different exercises. For example, you can
squat as many times as you can in 20 seconds, rest for 10 and repeat. You can do pushups, pull-
ups, or sit-ups.

You can jump rope or sprint. You can ride your spin bike, row on the rowing machine, or do
burpees or lunges. Try the Tabata workout with your favorite movement and experience just
what intensity really means.

Another example of HIIT for a runner might be a series of 200-meter sprints followed by 30
second rests. You might sprint on your bicycle for a quarter mile and then slow down to a
casual pace to recover. You can apply HIIT to any cardio or strength fitness exercise.
There are numerous considerations before starting a fitness plan that includes HIIT.

www.RipToned.com 2
The Pros and Cons of High Intensity Interval Training

The pros of HIIT are numerous, so we’ll take an in depth look at the research in the first
chapter. For now, it’s important to know that HIIT results are astounding.

• Fast weight loss

• Less workout time
• Improved strength
• Improved endurance
• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Better fat burning
• Decreased abdominal fat
• Decreased insulin resistance
• Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease

So the pros look pretty strong, right? They are. You can truly burn significantly more fat and
calories in less time. It means that if you don’t have the time to run for an hour a day but you
want the same, or better, results, then HIIT may be right for you.

The Potential Risks and Downsides of HIIT

With every fitness program and workout, there are risks. The same is true for High Intensity
Interval Training. The very nature of the workout means it may not be right for people who

www.RipToned.com 3
have a high risk of a cardiovascular episode. Meaning that if you’ve had a heart attack or are at
a high risk for having one, please talk to your doctor before beginning a program like this.

If you are older or have other health complications, it’s also important to talk to your doctor. In
most cases you can embrace a HIIT program as long as you do it under supervision. It’s also
critically important to pay attention to your body and to fuel it well. We’ll talk more about
proper self-care for HIIT later.

So who is High Intensity Interval Training Right For?

HIIT is right for you if you:

• Want to lose weight quickly

• Have hit a fitness plateau and want to see improvements
• Have hit a weight loss plateau
• Enjoy intense workouts
• Are looking for a new and exciting fitness program
• Want to get rid of those “problem areas”
• Are pre-diabetic and want to increase your body’s insulin sensitivity

These are just a few reasons to try HIIT. Let’s move forward and take a look at some of that
research mentioned earlier. Understanding why it works will help you create a strong fitness
program for yourself.

www.RipToned.com 4
Why and How HIIT Works

Chances are your fitness program is primarily cardiovascular. You may walk, run, row, dance or
bike. Perhaps you spend most of your time on an elliptical machine, spin bike, or stair stepper.
If you integrate a bit of strength training into your current fitness program then you may have a
very well rounded program. And yet you are likely not getting the weight loss and fitness goals
you desire. You’re putting in the time and the work but not enjoying the results you truly want.

HIIT can be the game changer, the difference maker, and the solution you’ve been searching
for. It really does produce faster weight loss and fitness results in less time. But don’t take our
word for it; let’s take a look at the research and the reason why High Intensity Interval Training
is so effective.

Dramatic Fat Burning Results

HIIT has been shown to promote Human Growth Hormone release. This wonderful hormone is
a natural one that your body produces. However, as you age the amount of growth hormone
decreases. After all, you’re not growing anymore. If you exercise and your muscles and tissues
need repair, then HGH is released to help your body repair itself.

When released, HGH also boosts metabolism, burns fat and facilitates muscle building. It also
changes the way your body uses and converts energy. Your body does this because it knows
you need fuel to repair your muscles and tissues.

The Journal of Obesity reported on a study that showed significant fat burning results after 12
weeks of HIIT. The study focused on young overweight male. They were randomly assigned to a
control group or a HIIT group. The HIIT group spent 20 minutes exercising three times a week
for 12 weeks.

The majority of the 20 minutes was rest and recovery – between short bursts of intense
exercise. And by intense exercise it means that you’re getting up to 95% of your maximum
heart rate. The results may surprise you.

The study participants had a reduction of total fat mass that averaged 4.5 pounds. They
reduced their visceral fat, the fat under your skin, by 17%. They also showed marked aerobic
improvements and their aerobic power increased by 15%.

Some other studies, particularly one published in the journal, Cell Metabolism, seem to indicate
that HIIT changes your DNA expression; specifically the genes that are involved in fat
metabolism. The study indicates that when you use HIIT as part of your training program, your

www.RipToned.com 5
body automatically turns on the genes that increase your production of lipolytic enzymes, aka
fat busting enzymes.

Decreased Insulin Sensitivity

Diabetes occurs when the insulin receptors

become desensitized. It can happen when a person
has a diet that is often high in glucose, sugar. The
presence of glucose triggers the pancreas to
release insulin. However, after a prolonged period
of this constant signaling to release insulin, your
body begins to shut down those insulin receptors.

When this happens, fat storage is increased

because the glucose cannot be processed correctly.
So a person with a diet that is often high in sugar –
like most Americans – begins to gain weight and
take steps toward pre-diabetes and Type 2
diabetes.

HIIT has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity. It makes those insulin receptors work again
so your body processes glucose effectively. You don’t store fat, you burn it.

One study looked at volunteers with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. They performed one interval
training session and saw improved blood sugar regulation for the next 24 hours. Other studies
have shown that middle-aged adults who are fit but inactive were able to enjoy improvements
in their insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation after just two weeks of interval training.

Increased weight loss, fat burning, and insulin sensitivity are all spectacular results. However,
you may already be at your target weight and not at risk for Type 2 Diabetes. So what are the
benefits for you? Can you get better, faster, and stronger with HIIT? You bet you can.

Aerobic Capacity, Endurance, and Strength

High Intensity Interval Training has shown that it provides improved health and fitness for all. A
team of Canadian researchers tested a wide variety of men and women at various stages of
health – from healthy to fighting cardiovascular disease. The participants performed cycling
intervals. All patients showed significant improvements in their health and fitness.

Surprisingly, the cardiac patients showed great improvements and the intense exercise didn’t
cause problems for any of the patients.

www.RipToned.com 6
“According to a 2011 study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine, just 2 weeks
of high-intensity intervals improves your aerobic capacity as much as six to eight weeks of
endurance training.” (Source: Shape Magazine. http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/8-
benefits-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit) If you’re training for a race or you want to get over
a fitness plateau then HIIT may be the ideal program for you.

One study found that after eight weeks of doing HIIT workouts, participants could exercise
twice as long as they could before the study, while maintaining the same pace.

We’ve already mentioned a few of the compelling benefits for integrating HIIT into your current
fitness program. Namely, they’re:

• HIIT burns a ton of calories

• More efficient, and shorter, workouts
• Enjoy faster results
• Boost metabolism
• Increased fat burning

However, there are other benefits we’ve yet to discuss. They include:

• You don’t need any equipment to participate in HIIT.

• It’s applicable to just about any workout. From running to weight lifting, you can add
HIIT to your program and enjoy results.
• You continue burning calories and fat long after your workout is over.
• It’s seriously challenging, so you won’t get bored.
• It’s quite fun and easy to add to your weekly routine.

So you’ve read the data and you know the facts. You know that if you want to burn fat and get
in shape fast then High Intensity Intervals are for you. But how do you get started? Let’s take a
look at how to get started with HIIT next and take a look at a few sample HIIT fitness plans.

www.RipToned.com 7
Getting Started with High Intensity Interval Training

Interval training means alternating between intensity levels. You generally alternate between
low and medium to high intensity. High Intensity Interval Training leaves no room for anything
less than your maximum effort. But what is your maximum effort?

Maximum effort can be measured a number of ways. One simple method is to first identify
your maximum heart rate. There are charts that you can use which take other elements into
consideration, however you can also find a general range by subtracting your age from 220.

For example, if you’re 40 years old then your maximum heart rate should be 180 beats per
minute. With HIIT the goal is to hit about 95% of your maximum heart rate. Continuing with the
example of a 40 year old person then 95% of 180 is 171 beats per minute.

Now a normal resting heart rate is generally around 60 beats per minute. So if you’re almost
tripling the heart rate then you can image what it feels like. The good news is that this intensity
level only lasts for a minute or less. Then you get to rest.

The maximum heart rate method is only effective if you’re performing a cardio workout and if
you have a heart rate monitor. If you’re training in sit-ups or pushups then your heart rate
doesn’t apply. Instead, you’re performing the movement as fast as you can until your time is
up. In twenty seconds you might get 20 sit-ups or 15 pushups if you’re very well trained. In
subsequent rounds the number of sit-ups or pushups is likely to decrease as your body fatigues.

So you can use heart rate to estimate intensity. You can also perform a maximum number of
reps in a specific amount of time, 20 seconds for example. You can also estimate your intensity
level by simply exercising as hard as you can for the duration.

Here’s an interesting tidbit for you, in studies, women tend to be better able to work out at a
higher intensity for a short duration than men, based on measurements of their cardiac output
and VO2 Max.

It’s important to identify a means for measuring your effort. There’s no right or wrong method
and the method you choose may very well depend on the type of HIIT program you choose.
Before we talk about creating your HIIT program, let’s discuss the importance of warming up
before you work out.

HIIT isn’t something you just get up off of the couch and do. Warming up is essential for proper
form, recovery, and to prevent injuries. Your warm up will depend on your chosen program. For
example, if you’re going to do a squat Tabata then you might warm up by jogging a quarter mile

www.RipToned.com 8
and then performing 20-30 slow and deep squats. You want to thoroughly warm up the muscles
that you’re going to be using.

If you’re going to do a rowing HIIT workout then you might row a slow 250-meter row followed
by 20 squats. Then you’d row a medium intensity 250-meter row followed by 10 squats. You’d
finish it up with a hard 250 meters at about 75-80% of your maximum effort. Then it’d be time
to begin your workout. Your muscles would likely be sufficiently warm.

Skipping this step can result in injury. Remember, when you’re warming up you’re not just
warming up your leg or arm muscles. You’re also warming up your heart and lungs and
preparing them for your workout. Work out for at least three minutes before any HIIT workout
and make sure you feel mentally and physically ready to begin.

Creating Your HIIT Program

High Intensity Interval Training isn’t

something you do every day. Most experts
recommend performing this type of workout
just three times a week. There are different
approaches depending on your fitness level,
your current fitness program, and whether
you’re starting a new fitness program or
integrating HIIT into your existing program.

HIIT for Beginners

If you’re new to exercise and fitness or beginning a new fitness program, then you may want to
begin with just one HIIT workout each week. You can then gradually increase the number of
workouts depending on how your body is feeling.

For example, let’s say you decide that you’re going to start running. Generally, you’ll probably
run three to four times each week. One of those weekly workouts would be a HIIT workout. The
others would be running for time or distance at a moderate or low intensity level.

What you’ll find with this type of approach is that your running fitness progresses more quickly.
Someone who is beginning a running program and doesn’t include a HIIT workout or two each
week will not likely reach their running goals as quickly. With HIIT you might hit your goal of
being able to run a 5k at eight-minute mile pace in a few months. It might take another
beginner runner a full year or more to reach this milestone.

Sticking with running for a minute, in addition to performing a HIIT running workout, you can
also perform other strength training workouts for runners. Lunges, squats, and box jumps are
all exceptional workouts to consider. You can do these in Tabata format, which is 20 seconds of

www.RipToned.com 9
work followed by ten seconds of rest. The work rounds are repeated eight times, which equates
to four very intense minutes of exercise.

Integrating HIIT into Your Existing Fitness Program

If you’ve been working out for a while and you have reached a plateau in either your fitness or
weight loss, then HIIT can help. Without changing your movements, you can integrate a Tabata
or interval type plan into your existing program.

Let’s take cycling as an example. If you’re an avid cyclist, either stationary or on the road, you
might ride as hard and fast as you can for 20 or 30 seconds. Decrease the resistance on your
bike and increase your repetitions to increase the intensity. You should feel like you can’t
possibly continue. If you have a heart rate monitor then go ahead and shoot for that 90-95% of
your maximum heart rte.

Remaining on your bike, you’ll then ride at a slower intensity for 90 seconds. You should be able
to regain your relaxed breathing by the end of those 90 seconds. Kick it back into gear and ride
at a high intensity for another 30 seconds. Recover and repeat. You’re done when you’ve
repeated the cycle 8 times.

Whether you run, cycle, row or you love the elliptical at the gym, you can easily apply HIIT to
your existing fitness program.

However, you may want to mix it up to stay motivated, engaged, and to strengthen the
foundation movements for any given exercise. For example, in order to run faster and longer
you need strong hip and gluteal muscles. Squats and lunges are two of the best exercises for
improving the strength of those muscles. You can integrate a squat Tabata into your regular
fitness routine.

You might run at a moderate pace and distance for three days. One day you perform interval
runs and one day each week you do a Tabata squat routine. You’ll undoubtedly notice the
difference in your strength and speed after just a few weeks of HIIT.

If you’re not interested in starting a regular fitness program, but would rather try a wide variety
of exercise routines, consider creating your own HIIT program.

For example, on Monday you might run 400-meter sprints followed by a rest that is exactly as
long as it took you to run 400 meters. If it takes you two minutes to run 400 meters, then you
rest for exactly two minutes before running another 400. The next day you might perform a sit-
up Tabata followed by a pull-up Tabata on the third day. You’d then take two days off.

www.RipToned.com 10
On your first day back you might do a push-up Tabata followed by a rowing workout and so on.
If you take this approach you’ll probably want to plan your week’s workouts in advance so you
don’t have to try and figure out what you’re going to do each day.

Remember to warm up before you work out and to cool down too. The cool down may be as
simple as walking for a quarter mile. Let your heart rate and breathing return to normal.
We’ve talked a lot about the different approaches to High Intensity Interval training. Let’s take
a look at a few different sample training programs. You can use these programs as they’re
written or to help you design your own.

Sample Treadmill HIIT Program

Monday, Wednesday, Friday - Run for 30 seconds at 90-95% your maximum heart rate or as
fast and hard as you can run. Rest for 30 seconds. Stop the treadmill and stand or sit. Repeat
this process 10 times. If you’re new to HIIT you might rest for 60 or even 90 seconds between
each 30-second run.

Tuesday – Rest day.

Thursday – Spot focus. Tabata sit-ups or Tabata push-ups. 20 seconds maximum effort, 10
second rest repeated for eight cycles.

Saturday – Spot focus. Tabata push-ups, squats, or jump rope.

Sunday – Rest day.

The Treadmill HIIT can be changed to be a stationary cycle, elliptical, or rowing machine.

Sample Strength Training HIIT Program

Monday – With a heavy dumbbell in each hand, for example 40 pounds, perform 20 lunges on
each side. Rest for three minutes between each round. Repeat four times.

Tuesday – Squat Tabata (you can also back squat, front squat, or overhead squat with a heavy
bar 20 reps with a 3 minute rest in between each round). Repeat five times.

Wednesday – Rest day.

Thursday – Rest day.

Friday – 20 seconds of burpees followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat for eight cycles.

www.RipToned.com 11
Saturday – Pull-ups or push-ups Tabata.

Sunday – Deadlift 20 reps followed by a 250-meter row (or run or cycle). Repeat 5 times.

As you can see, any exercise or fitness program can be easily adapted to include HIIT workouts.
Whether you hula-hoop, prefer endurance exercise, or enjoy the gym fitness equipment you
can get better results by including a few High Intensity Interval Training workouts each week.
Before you get started with HIIT, let’s take a look at some final tips for success.

www.RipToned.com 12
Tips for HIIT Success

#1 Start Slowly – If you’ve never worked out at a high intensity before, then take it slowly. You
can either lengthen the rest time between intervals or you can begin with only one HIIT
workout per week. As your fitness improves, you can decrease the rest time.

#2 Pay Attention to Your Body – In general, experts recommend around three HIIT workouts
per week. Consider taking a “three days on two days off” approach. This approach allows you to
rest just about the time that delayed onset muscle soreness kicks in.

If you notice that you’re not recovering quickly and muscle soreness has you struggling to get
out of bed or in significant pain, cut back on the HIIT workouts. Also realize that some weeks
are just better than others. You might have a week where you’re on fire and having great
workouts with little soreness.

The next week you may be able to barely finish your second workout. This is a sign from your
body to ease up. Pay attention to it. HIIT won’t do you any good if you’re injured, and pushing
too hard or too fast can absolutely result in injury.

#3 Know What to Expect and Be Prepared – HIIT will leave you breathless and flat on your back
on the floor. You’ll sweat, a lot. You may feel like you just can’t continue. This is why a heart
rate monitor is a good idea. It’ll let you know if you’re in the zone.

If your heart rate is over your maximum heart rate or creeping close, you know to pull back a
bit. Conversely, if you’re only at 50% of your max then you know you’re capable of more.
www.RipToned.com 13
#4 Mix it Up – Interval training can become boring. If you’re doing the same workout every
single time, you’ll lose motivation. With a loss of motivation comes a loss of intensity. To stay
engaged and enthusiastic, keep your HIIT program varied. You might look to a personal trainer
or a cross fit blog to provide workout ideas.

#5 Measure the Results – It can be difficult to know just how much you’re gaining from HIIT.
Consider not only taking a before and after photograph, but also track your fitness
improvements.

Did you run a 200 in the fastest time yet? Did you manage to achieve 100 squats in your squat
Tabata? By tracking your workouts and your results, you’ll be able to watch your fitness
improve and the weight come off.

#6 Listen to Music – Intense intervals are exhausting. You may need all of the encouragement
you can get. Motivating music is often effective to not only make you feel more energized, it
also tends to distract just enough that you’re not focused solely on the discomfort you’re
feeling.

#7 Workout With a Friend – Finally, consider starting a HIIT workout with a friend. You can
keep an eye on each other’s form, compete with each other, and help one another say
motivated.

Conclusion

High Intensity Interval Training is a proven way to improve both your anaerobic and aerobic
fueling systems. If you’re looking to overcome a fitness plateau and want to achieve a new
personal record HIIT can be the single most important change to your existing program. You’ll
burn more fat, lose weight quickly, and improve your fitness, and you’ll accomplish all of this
while spending less time working out.

www.RipToned.com 14
 We Give a Rip!
Click Below to Check Out Our Products on Amazon

Click Here to See All Our Products

Click Below to See What We're Up to On Social Media

www.RipToned.com 15
 Click on the Images Below to Check Out Our Products

Regular Lifting Straps Lifting Straps Lifting Straps Wrist Wraps

for Small Wrists and Wraps Combo

Beanie Lifting Belt Knee Sleeve Single

Knee Sleeves Pair Elbow Sleeve Single Elbow Sleeves Pair16

www.RipToned.com