Why I Recommend High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) For Fat Loss

If there is one thing my clients can take away from my teachings is that fat loss is more important than weight loss. Anyone can achieve weight loss by just taking in fewer calories than what their body burns on any given day----but to lose fat, that’s another story. 

On a daily basis, your body-weight fluctuates. This is due in part cause our body is influenced by various things like muscle tissue loss/gain, water retention/loss, fat loss/gain etc. As such, when you lose weight, you shed more than just your weight. On the other hand, fat loss works differently, and it takes longer to burn than you want to.  However, the results are much rewarding because you will preserve muscles tissues, which you need and other bodily functions. 

So how do we rid body fat, instead of just our weight? Try HITT (High Intensity Interval Training). I highly endorse this workout and agree it is by far the best fat burning workout. With HITT you burn more calories, which equals to more fat loss. You also increase your metabolism without negative the effects. The HIIT workout is also backed by research, so it is even better to do it. I recommend HITT to my clients if they desire to shed pounds and still look tone. Many of them have seen good results. 

Anyone can do HIIT, even though the training may be slightly more complicated. The exercises you choose in your HIIT don't have to be too hard or highly intense. For older clients, I design my HIIT workouts very simple with less difficult moves and very little overexertion. 

Here's a sample of one of my simple HIIT workout you can try. I usually do 8 to 12 rounds with very little rest in between exercises (10 sec) and do I ever sweat. 

HITT Workout

Step ups for 30 sec or more
Rest for 15 sec or more
Punches w/ handheld weights for 30 sec or more
Rest for 15 sec or more
Jumping Jack for 30 sec or more
Rest for 15 sec or more
Mountain Climbers for 30 sec or more
Rest for 15 sec or more
Sprint in Place for 30 sec or more
Rest for 15 sec or more
Jump Squats for 30 sec or more
Rest for 15 sec or more
Repeat in the same order 

Furthermore, there are scientific theories why HIIT is a far better approach for fat loss than other workouts, but I won't get into it -- keeping it simple here. Just remember fat loss is what you ought to be focusing on instead of weight loss. There's a big difference as HIIT helps to maintain your muscles and other functions, while you burn off fat. Also, keep in mind that your body fat % is a crucial indicator of your success for your overall weight loss and not the dreading scale.


Sherldine Tomlinson, MSc, R.Kin