The Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training
Health ClubHigh Intensity Interval Training, the phrase you hate but love at the same time. These workouts not only burn more calories in less time, they are packed full of benefits for your health. Keep reading to find out more benefits of HIIT and one of our HIIT High Five workouts created by our expert team of personal trainers.
WHAT IS HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT)?
A word you hear from fitness magazines, personal trainers and gyms, but what actually is HIIT? It's a technique where you give 100% effort in quick and intense bursts of exercise followed by a short recovery period which can be active such as a slow jog on the spot or resting. This keeps your heart rate up for the length of the workout while burning more fat in less time.
BENEFITS OF HIIT
HIIT TAKES LESS TIME OUT OF YOUR DAY
Let's face it, it's difficult to put time aside for a workout and often people end up putting exercise on the back burner. With HIIT you can dramatically reduce the time of your workouts but still get the effects. These types of workouts are ideal for people with a busy schedule, squeeze one of these in your lunch break or in the morning to give yourself a quick boost for the day.
SAY GOODBYE TO LONG, BORING WORKOUTS
You won't be needing Netflix on in the background of these workouts, you'll be challenged the whole time but for only a short period. This is the ideal workout to give anyone a challenge, even fitness fanatics will find this fast-paced workout a challenge and the people new to fitness will start to see results quicker.
IT HELPS BUILD YOUR ENDURANCE
High intensity interval training produces extreme results and trains your body to go beyond what it could do before. A study published by The Journal of Physiology found after 8 weeks of HIIT people doubled the amount of time they could ride a bike while keeping the same pace.
CHOOSE HOW YOU WORKOUT
HIIT doesn't limit you to specific exercises, it can be done with weights, body weight or cardio- the choices are endless. You can choose exactly what you want to do in your workout based on how you are feeling at the time. Gone are the days of pushing yourself through an exercise you don't enjoy.
Try our HIIT High Five workout in the gym to get you started, or grab one of our trainers to run you through the exercises and top form.
Have a specific goal in mind? Our team of personal trainers can help you achieve your goals, visit our personal trainers page to
After 10 years of being a member and having been going to other gyms since I was 16 I can honestly say St Michaels for me just feels the perfect balance.
The instructors are not only very experienced and approachable in what they teach they are also, very importantly, just so human. They make everyone feel so welcome and included .. that vibe is so important. Every member matters.
Being a ‘member’ of St Michaels Health Club is more than the word suggests. You will find a community of like-minded people who just want to try their best to be consistent in their endeavours to keep as fit and healthy as they can. Fellow triers and the incredible team behind us at the club keep me motivated endlessly. The gym equipment and layout allows you to go your own way however I will say guidance is on hand easily.
Always you will be inspired and supported from both the team at the club and members alike. It’s friendly, I don’t feel intimidated and I’m getting results!
I’ve been a member of St Michaels for over 2 years and absolutely love it. Mainly doing classes, I invested in a PT session and now have a bespoke gym programme which I really enjoy. The range of classes is phenomenal and I do everything from spin to strength & conditioning to body combat, fascia release, body balance and yoga. The fact that body balance and yoga are held outside during the summer months is an extra bonus; yoga on Gylly beach is just sublime! I really like the fact that I am challenged in the classes and the standard of training is the best that I have encountered.
I’ve made lots of friends as everyone is so friendly. Changing areas are fab and the ability to have a post class shower is the icing on the cake!
As a longstanding member of St Michaels, I continue to choose to train and relax here due to the club's friendly and knowledgeable staff, both at the health club reception and those who take fitness classes. The proximity of the facilities to Gyllyngvase beach is a huge plus, as I swim and train in the sea as much as I can. Outdoor classes are a great idea and I find running and exercising near the coast uplifting. For me, the wellness membership offers everything I need to balance treating myself to time in the spa, staying motivated to become stronger and fitter with Lauren's personal training, plus gym sessions and classes and regular use of the sauna and steam rooms to wind down and catch up with friends. The club is an important part of my life.