One Piece of Gear You NEED to Start High Intensity Interval Training
A major benefit of high intensity interval training (HIIT) is that you don't (strictly speaking) need any equipment to reap the rewards of this kind of workout. Thanks to the insane intensity of HIIT, which requires you to push your body to your max -- or very close to it -- for the working part of the interval, your bodyweight will be enough to score you some serious gains. What's more, because many HIIT workouts require you to smash out compound movements, which work multiple muscle groups at once, you're challenging more of your body simultaneously. Burpees, jump squats, chin-ups, tuck jumps, dive bombers, switch lunges: these are standard fare in a HIIT workout, and they can have even the most seasoned fit freak sweating torrents.
So no, equipment is not necessary to see benefits of HIIT. Not at first, at least. When you've been doing HIIT for a few weeks or months, you'll notice your results start to plateau because you're body is getting used to the workouts. It needs more of a challenge. This is when gear like barbells, weighted vests, balance trainers, sandbags, and resistance bands are immensely helpful to help push your body through the plateau and into the next level, where your gains will be even greater.
But we digress, because like we said, you don't need any of this at first. The one piece of equipment that we recommend to anyone who takes on interval training is an interval timer.
Why Use an Interval Timer
Simple: because it tracks your intervals and does so without interruption or compromise. Unlike using your phone, which can distract you with texts, emails, notifications or calls -- or force you to stop what you're doing and tap the screen so the timer doesn't black out -- your interval trainer is designed specifically for and only to track your workout intervals. You can set the working intervals and rest periods for whatever you like, and then just push start. The beeps let you know when to catch your breath, when to move on to the next move and you're done. You can leave your phone out of sight and out of mind so you can focus on your workout: the 'me time' you deserve and need.
Another bonus of the HIIT timer? It's sweat resistance, so you don't have to worry about it short-circuiting. You can keep your eyes on the prize, and your guns working for the gains. Bring home your own HIIT timer today!