Exploring High-Intensity and Low-Impact Interval Training for Effective Workouts

High-intensity workouts are celebrated for their demanding nature, involving brief bursts of 30 seconds to a minute that maximize cardiovascular benefits in minimal time. Despite their intensity, these workouts can be gentle on joints with the right modifications.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), known for its vigorous movements, has long been favored by athletes aiming to boost strength, speed, and power, notes Susane Pata, a Miami-based trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.Originally popularized in gyms in the early 2000s, HIIT has been supported by studies highlighting its benefits such as improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, heart health, and fat loss.As HIIT gained traction, trainers like Ms. Pata adapted these workouts to appeal to a wider audience. Post-pandemic, a milder variant known as HILIT (high-intensity, low-impact interval training) has emerged.HILIT replaces high-impact activities like sprinting, burpees, or jump lunges with joint-friendly alternatives. Despite adjustments, the main objective remains unchanged: maintaining a heart rate above 80% of maximum capacity, allowing minimal recovery before repeating the effort.