Questions re: HIIT.

[JayBizz]

I've heard a lot about the benefits of HIIT, so I thought I'd try it.

If I'm doing long cardio, I usually run 30-45 minutes at about 4.3mph. So, for the intervals, I thought I'd crank it to 5.5, and then walk at 3.3. I run for 1 minute, and then walk at 1.5 minutes.

I wonder if I'm working hard enough. The 5.5 mph takes me to nearly 170 bpm, or just over that (maximum heart rate is 186).

I did a two minute run at 5.5 at the end that really wiped me out and left me gasping, and I sweat more than I usually do when I'm running long cardio. But other than that, the thought crossed my mind that I wasn't working hard enough.

Any experts out there with tips!

Thanks,
jules

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Jules...
There really isn't an exact time frame that you have to do your interval in. The work load and rest periods can vary workout to workout or even within a workout (ie: pyramid approach). The main thing you want to do is push yourself as hard as you can while you are working and then rest enough to give you the fuel to go for it again. If you are questioning whether you worked hard enough, you probably didn't. Don't get me wrong, you didn't waste your time. The fact that you said you were out of breath and got nice and sweaty tells me it was effective but you could probably push a little harder if you wondering if you should have after the workout. When you push the right amount, there is no question you gave it your all .

Let me know how your next workout goes....

I've heard a lot about the benefits of HIIT, so I thought I'd try it.

If I'm doing long cardio, I usually run 30-45 minutes at about 4.3mph. So, for the intervals, I thought I'd crank it to 5.5, and then walk at 3.3. I run for 1 minute, and then walk at 1.5 minutes.

I wonder if I'm working hard enough. The 5.5 mph takes me to nearly 170 bpm, or just over that (maximum heart rate is 186).

I did a two minute run at 5.5 at the end that really wiped me out and left me gasping, and I sweat more than I usually do when I'm running long cardio. But other than that, the thought crossed my mind that I wasn't working hard enough.

Any experts out there with tips!

Thanks,
jules