When it comes to working out, you might be tempted to think that the more time you spend in the gym, the more effective your workout will be. But in reality, that actually isn’t the case at all. Spending hours in the gym just draws out the process and wastes your time- you can have just as effective a workout in half the time. You just have to do it right.
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is one of the quickest and most effective ways of working out. You can have an intense and sweaty workout in less than an hour and feel like you spent the entire day at the gym. So if you’re trying to find a way to cut your gym hours short, try incorporating these HIIT moves into your workout:
Jump Squats
These will have your legs burning in no time. Start with your legs shoulder-width apart and lower your body down into a regular squat position, with your butt pushed back and your knees aligned with your feet. Jump off the ground and land back into that squat position. It’s an explosive movement, so it should burn! Repeat for 3 sets of 12.
Jump rope
Jumping rope is an easy and effective way to get cardio into your HIIT workout. You don’t even necessarily need a jump rope- you can just act out the position! Make sure there a slight bend in your knees when you jump, so you land softly on your feet. Jump for 5 sets of 2 minutes each.
Burpees
Burpees are definitely painful, but they’re an effective full-body exercise. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower into a squat position. Place your hands on the floor in front of you and jump your feet back behind you, landing in a plank position. Jump your feet forward, to the outside of your hands, and jump into the air. That is one burpee. Repeat for 3 sets of 12.
Plank Jacks
These will have your core BURNING. Start in the low plank position with your feet hip-width apart. Jump your feet out, so they are wider than hip-width apart and bring them back to start. Make sure your core is tight, and your butt is aligned with the height of your shoulders. Repeat for 3 sets of 12.
Mountain Climbers
Simple but effective. Mountain climbers are a full-body exercise and great for your core. Start in a high plank position with your body in a straight line from head to feet. Engage your core and bring one knee into your chest and then back out to starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg and increase your speed as you go. Repeat for 3 sets of 20.
