High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a type of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by brief periods of recovery. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness at burning calories and improving cardiovascular endurance. If you’re looking to incorporate HIIT into your workout routine, here are some tips to get you started.
Determine your fitness level: HIIT is a high-intensity form of exercise, so it’s important to assess your current fitness level before diving in. If you’re new to exercise or have any underlying health conditions, it may be best to start with a lower-intensity form of exercise and gradually work your way up to HIIT.
Find a workout you enjoy: The key to any successful fitness routine is finding activities that you enjoy. Whether it’s running, cycling, or bodyweight exercises, choose a type of HIIT workout that you look forward to doing.
Start with short intervals: When starting out with HIIT, it’s important to gradually build up your endurance. Begin with short bursts of high-intensity activity followed by longer periods of recovery. For example, you might start with 30 seconds of sprinting followed by 90 seconds of walking. As you become more comfortable with HIIT, you can gradually increase the length and intensity of your intervals.
Incorporate strength training: In addition to cardiovascular exercise, it’s important to include strength training in your HIIT routine. This can be as simple as adding bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats to your intervals, or using weights such as dumbbells or kettlebells.
Listen to your body: It’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals when doing HIIT. If you feel overly exhausted or experience any pain, stop the workout and take a break. It’s better to take a break and come back to your workout later than to push yourself too hard and risk injury.
By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate HIIT into your workout routine and enjoy the numerous benefits it has to offer. Just be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.
Dr Rachel Teoh Pui Pui 
Family Physician
Qualifications
MBBS (Spore 2002), Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma in Family M, DIP (Fam Med, 2009), DIP (Derm UK, 2007)
