Top 5 Common HIIT Mistakes

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to build stamina and burn fat. Using high-intensity workouts ensures that you exercise at maximum capacity, improve your heart rate and get the best results when it comes to reducing and torching body fat. But like with any workout regimen, you need to do it the correct and "proper" way. This doesn't only maximum the workout benefits but also reduces the chances of injury and fatigue.

For instance, not consuming enough calories during a HIIT workout regime can lead to muscle wear over time and instead lose the much-needed muscle mass. If this is your first time at trying HIIT workouts, you may want to start slow and build up the intensity over time. You can start with a 15-minute session and make increments of 5 minutes per day or session until you get to 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, however, given the nature at intensity involved, there are plenty of other things that can possibly go wrong during your HIIT workout. Here is a quick look at some of the common HIIT mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1.      Training For Too Long

When it comes to high-intensity interval workouts, always remember; less is more. So, if your HIIT workout lasts more than 30 minutes, you are not going to get the best results. 10 sprints done in one minute are equal to several hours of normal cycling. So be sure to cut down your workout sessions into smaller chunks for better results.

2.      Don't Rely on HIIT To Grow Muscle

If your primary goal is to gain more muscle mass, then HIIT isn't the right workout regime for you. Well, it's great for getting ripped, burning fat and defining a few muscles, but not the best for bulking. For muscle building, go for the bigger weights, eat bigger meals and take it slow.

3.      Training Too Often

Now that HIIT training takes less than 30 minutes, you might as well do a session every day, right? Wrong! The intensity that's involved with HIIT workouts calls for sufficient rest to give your muscles enough time to heal and repair. Resist the temptation to cram your calendar with HIIT sessions to avoid injury and muscle fatigue. Perform at most, four HIIT sessions per week and allow at least one full rest day between HIIT sessions.

4.      Performing HIIT Without Fuel

HIIT doesn't go well with any diet plan that advocates for minimal calorie intake. Your body needs a lot of energy to fuel you through these intense sessions. So, as much as your primary goal is burning fat and looking lean, always consume enough calories to keep you energized which will also help you recover afterward. Pre and Post training shakes can also come in handy to provide the much-needed nutrients.

5.      HIIT Without a Warm-Up

A warm up is particularly important for any kind of intense workout. If you are going to rip up your body, you at least need to prepare it first. Some people consider resting as part of their warm up, which is not correct. Spend about 15 minutes before each HIIT session warming up the muscles that will be doing the hardest job. This will not only prepare you for the workout but will also prevent injury.

The Bottom Line

There is no shortcut to getting the best from HIIT, you just have to do the correct thing - get the basics right. If you are wanting to start burning fat, getting ripped and looking lean, avoid the above HIIT mistakes and practice the tips I've offered. Thankfully, they are not hard to escape, with a few adjustments, you should be on your way to getting the best from your HIIT sessions.

About The Author

My goal is to help as many people as possible who are looking to torch body fat, get ripped and shredded or build lean muscle mass.

I offer advice on training with different workout methods and nutrition and dietary information, gathered from my very own experience and trials. I've managed to find the method that works best for me and I hope to help others find the method that works best for them.

For more information or hints and tips on training or nutrition, click here to discover how to get ripped fast.

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