--- title: Why HIIT is One of the Best Ways to Get in Shape description: Learn about HIIT and why it is one of the best ways to get in shape! image: https://blog.ontarioracquetclub.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Full%20length%20side%20view%20of%20instructor%20with%20fitness%20class%20performing%20step%20aerobics%20exercise%20in%20gym.jpeg --- ![Side Menu Close Button](https://hubpagedesigner.mediatownmarketing.net/assets/images/common/hide-side-menu-btn.png) [![Company Logo](https://hubpagedesigner.mediatownmarketing.net/assets/images/common/company-logo.png) ](https://blog.ontarioracquetclub.com/) Call Us Toll Free: 905-822-5240 [ Club Directions ](https://www.ontarioracquetclub.com/contact-orc) - [ The Club ](https://www.ontarioracquetclub.com/about-the-orc) - [ Membership ](https://blog.ontarioracquetclub.com/blog/why-hiit-is-one-of-the-best-ways-to-get-in-shape#menu-1) - ##### ABOUT THE CLUB - [About the ORC](https://www.ontarioracquetclub.com/about-the-orc) - [Hours and Location](https://www.ontarioracquetclub.com/contact-orc) - 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That’s good news because the workouts are considerably shorter than you’re probably used to and involve as little as four minutes of intense activity combined with rest for a total workout of only around 20-30 minutes. Because HIIT is so intense, you should only do it two to three times a week maximum, making it a workout that even the most time-crunched individuals can fit in their schedules. ![Full length side view of instructor with fitness class performing step aerobics exercise in gym.jpeg](https://blog.ontarioracquetclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Full%20length%20side%20view%20of%20instructor%20with%20fitness%20class%20performing%20step%20aerobics%20exercise%20in%20gym.jpeg?width=605&height=404&name=Full%20length%20side%20view%20of%20instructor%20with%20fitness%20class%20performing%20step%20aerobics%20exercise%20in%20gym.jpeg) **What is HIIT?** HIIT is the combination of two principles, **High Intensity Training + Interval Training = High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). **It maximizes fat burning and muscle building potential through significantly shorter workouts. **Pros** - HIIT maximally increases metabolic rate. - HIIT optimizes muscle building and muscle retention during fat loss. - HIIT increases calorie burn during and after workouts. - HIIT maximizes both aerobic and anaerobic fitness (cardio addresses aerobic only). - HIIT affects muscle tissue at a cellular level, actually changing mitochondrial activity in the muscle itself and some self studies have been done on its effect of HGH. - Studies show 27 minutes of HIIT three times per week produces the same anaerobic and aerobic improvement as 60 minutes of cardio five times per week. **Who should do HIIT?** Anyone can participate in the classes. The idea is that each individual works as hard as they can, no matter what the activity, challenging themselves to do their best. **What are HIIT classes like? ** This will depend on the length of time the class is scheduled for. Generally we will alternate between cardio/legs and arms focusing one area and letting it rest while we then focus other area, then we HIIT it again. Exercises use simple movements which make them challenging physically and not complicated to work through. It should be the toughest workout of the week. **Research Supports HIIT** A growing amount of research shows that the ideal form of exercise is short bursts of high intensity exercise. One study published in the* Journal of Obesity* reported that 12 weeks of HIIT not only can result in significant reductions in total abdominal, trunk, and visceral fat, but can also give you significant increases in fat-free mass and aerobic power. Another study published in the journal*, Medicine, Science in Sports and Exercise,* found that unfit but otherwise healthy middle-aged adults were able to improve their insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation after just two weeks of interval training (three sessions per week). A follow-up study published in the journal,* Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism*, also found that interval training positively impacted insulin sensitivity. The study involved people with full-blown type 2 diabetes, and just ONE interval training session was able to improve blood sugar regulation for the next 24 hours! **Are there any safety concerns?** Just like any fitness routine each participant must be cleared medically to participate. Modifications can be made for individuals who are prone to specific injuries but one should be clear of injury to participate. Jumping exercises can be reduced to squats and may be recommended when first starting the classes. Range of motion may be limited as required. Members will know when they are improving with increased repetition and range of motion. **Have you been HITT today?** High Intensity classes are available at the ORC on Tuesday 9:30 am, Wednesday 6:15am, Thursday 8:30 am and Insanity Live Saturday 11:30 am. If you are looking for more fitness or nutrition information to help you achieve your health & fitness goals please contact Christine Hanlan, Health & Wellness Ambassador. All members can have a complimentary Fitness Assessment and a Nutrition Assessment with Christine annually to go over health goals and create or review fitness and nutrition plans.  Please contact Christine at [chanlan@ontarioracquetclub.com](mailto:chanlan@ontarioracquetclub.com) or drop by her office upstairs in the Fitness Centre at the end of the treadmills. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) Gloria Atkinson Gloria has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years. Her background training and qualifications are extremely diverse, including Post Secondary education at Sheridan College and Florida State University (Athletic Scholarship). She's a OFC Certified; Group Fitness Instructor and a Personal Trainer, Pilates (Mat and Reformer) and Yoga instructor. Gloria's a Certified Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), a ROHP (Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner), and so much more! Glo believes that instead of thinking of dissatisfaction as something bad and pushing the feeling away, we should welcome it. In fact, dissatisfaction is one of the most powerful ways our subconscious nudges us to make a change, our inner being gently telling us to go for more. 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