High intensity workouts have been my saving grace lately! Here’s why incorporating HIIT workout routines into your busy mom life will help you make a major impact on your overall health.
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Why High Intensity Workouts (HIIT Workout Routines) Are Amazing For Moms
As soon as the year turned to 2018, I’ve been working really hard to not only publish a lot of really down to Earth healthy living content that you all can actually relate to – but I’ve been building on that content with my everyday workout reminders, too. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that 4 times a week, I give you all a little pep talk via Instagram stories and encourage you to send me your #sweatyselfie via DM to hold yourself accountable. I can’t really parent without a mom tribe, so working out with my fitness tribe (you guys) has been equally helpful for me. Just like you all, I don’t have a lot of time on my hands, so getting the most out of my workout is imperative, which is why I focus on HIIT workout routines at least 3 out of 4 workouts a week. (One day a week, I do a slower strength training high intensity workout.)
Since you all see me sweating like a beast after I complete these quick 24ish minutes high intensity workouts, I proposed a poll, asking you all: do you want to hear more about my HIIT workout routines? To which so many of you (thank you, thank you) replied 100% yes – so I’m finally sharing this journey with you all today. And it all ties into body acceptance.
// Top: Have Heart Graphic Crew Neck c/o Calia by Carrie // Bottoms: Essential Printed Leggings c/o Calia by Carrie //
What exactly is are HIIT workout routines?
HIIT stands for high intensity interval training. I know that can sound intimidating, believe me I was a little bit nervous whenever I first got started, but it’s really a lot simpler than it sounds. It’s basically sets of exercises where you go all in and very hard – I’m talking 100% of your energy is dedicated to the repetition of these moves for a period of 45 seconds on and then 15 seconds of rest. HIIT workout routines focus on these bursts of exercise and then short recovery periods that result in a major sweat sesh, but more importantly – an incredible fat burning routine.
Why do I focus on high intensity workouts?
The short answer: because I’m always pressed for time. (lol aren’t we all?)
All jokes aside though, over the summer whenever I temporarily hired a health coach and started really getting into the keto diet, my coach really urged me to start high intensity workouts and stick with them. They are great for me because I’m able to commit to working out for the 24 or so minute routine and am able to do just that – keep it a routine. In addition to that, high intensity workouts are huge fat burners, which is what I need. My heart rate goes up very high and stays up there for optimum calorie burning opportunities.
In addition to that, it’s really a mental thing for me. Whenever Im doing my HIIT workout routines, I’m about to say “ok Allison, give it your all, bust your ass and get through this 45 seconds and then you get a break.” All I have to do it keep getting through these 45 second intervals and that is easy for me to manage.
Why are HIIT workout routines great for women and especially moms?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: HIIT workout routines burn fat. After having these babies of ours, we tend to carry around a little extra of that, so this allows us to work on those areas through each intense cardiovascular movement that will also help you tone as well. It will increase your energy, your metabolism and has really amazing results on your overall weight loss goals – all while being about to just set aside 24 minutes of very intense movement a few times per week. I think it’s a no brainer.
The best HIIT workouts for women start with these essentials:
- Reebok ZPrint 3D Shoes (I love these ones because they are SO lightweight and durable. They are wonderful for HIIT and running alike.)
- Cropped Workout Capris by Calia by Carrie (I’m loving having a cropped option as the weather starts to change. These workout pants are the absolute best I’ve tried so far and stay in place and are high waisted perfection.)
- A great workout tank
- A cool yoga mat (like this one from Yeti Yoga) to keep you from slipping if you need it with certain workouts.
- Sunglasses for outdoor workouts (mine are from Oliver People’s and are thick and stay in place – even when I’m dripping with sweat!)
- A reusable water bottle because you’re going to sweat your ass off – I love this one from Swell.
// Tee: Similar c/o Calia by Carrie //
My favorite HIIT workout routine
If you guys follow me on Instagram, you now that I’m pretty obsessed with Blogilates and follow her HITT workout routines pretty religiously. I just think she’s awesome whenever it comes to not only the workout, but encouraging you through it and she’s also a body positivity advocate – so it’s a mixture of so much goodness. My favorite routine can be found right here and I’m at a place where I repeat is 3 times through and am currently working towards being able to do it 4 times through like she recommends. Start small though and with whatever you can handle – I honestly started just being able to do it only one time through. You have to start somewhere!
If you don’t want to follow along with a video, just put together you’re own mixture of burpees, skaters, mountain climbers, etc. You really can turn any movement into a HIIT workout routine as long as you make them quick movements and give it your all for 45 seconds at a time.
Looking for more fitness goodness? Here’s my favorites right here!
- 5 Tips For Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution The Whole Year Through
- Here’s What Happened When I Hired a Health Coach
- The Keto diet For Beginners
- I Finally Ran For The First Time Postpartum
- How To Get The Most Out Of Your Workout Routine
- Why You Need the BOB Revolution Flex Lunar Stroller
- I Tried Welleco’s Super Elixir And Here’s What Happened
- Inexpensive Workout Clothes For Women
- How to Find The Right Fit in Your Fitness Clothes
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I didn’t answer yours in this post. Please hop over to Instagram and watch my stories if you need some workout motivation a few times a week from a regular mom (me!) who is just trying to make sure she doesn’t run out of breathe when she’s chasing her kids around at the park!
Fashionably Yours,
Allison
HIT training is fully awesome! I recently began using this way of working out, and in just a couple of weeks, I’ve already seen a major improvement.
It’s so amazing, right? I’m loving it!
I don’t know what I like better your HIIT workout or the gear. I have a sysytem at my gym but this looks like a routine I should really try soon.
Check out my instagram stories Melissa – I did a try on for a bunch of their other pieces – you would love them!
I’m with you. High intensity for a short time is perfect for me. Now to get home from traveling so I can get back to it.
Yaaaass get it girl!
I like the sound of the extra calories burned because of the increased heart rate. These kinds of workouts definitely sound like they’re worth it.
They really make a difference!
HIIT sounds like a great way to get a good workout in when time is of the essence. Can you add them to a regular muscle group workout?
You can! You really can turn any exercise into a HIIT movement as long as you add speed. One day a week I do a HIIT workout that is a wee bit slower but has a strength focus and the rest of the days are pure cardio.
It sounds like you’re killing it, mama! I heard of HIIT workouts, but didn’t know exactly what they were.
I love HIIT workouts too. They really do make all the difference when it comes to losing weight fast!
Totally! And I feel like the thought of them intimidated me for years.
As a busy woman, I appreciate the concept of a quick and effective workout! I will definitely be trying this out.
These are such great experiences! I am so bookmarking this!
I used to do HIIT workouts years ago and I would love to get back into them. I am intrigued by your coach!
Yes! She was right on it with what I needed to do to finally achieve my goals!
That sounds like a fun workout and I admit, I really love that it’s faster! Your workout clothes are pretty stinkin’ adorable too!
Thank you! YEs – it’s super fast paced!