HIIT Training

I wanted to take some time out to write a little review on a new HIIT software program that was just released last week.

The name of the software is Bodybot, and it was created by Ryan Lee, a personal trainer. This software is completely online, so there is nothing to download. Before I get into the review, let me tell you a little about HIIT.

As you may know, HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It is basically an exercise routine that combines short periods of maximum intensity exercise with short recovery periods. For example, a basic HIIT routine could be 30 seconds of sprints followed by 30 seconds of light jogging or walking done for 4-8 intervals total.

HIIT workouts normally last only 4 to 15 minutes and are anaerobic. They are very effective at reducing bodyfat and keeping your body in a fat burning mode for several hours after exercise. There is much debate as to whether HIIT or steady-state cardio is more effective at burning fat, but I'm not going to get into all that.

However, in my experience, HIIT reigns supreme for overall convenience, time-effectiveness, and variety. You can complete a very intense session in 4 minutes with no equipment and with just enough room to run in place. It leaves very little excuse for "I don't have the time," or "I don't have a gym membership or any equipment at home."

HIIT is also a blessing for bodybuilders because it has been proven to spare lean muscle tissue while effectively reducing bodyfat. However, HIIT is not for the lighthearted. If you're not going to give 100%, then don't bother. Intensity is the key. And, who can't get intense for 4 minutes?

So, if this type of exercise interests you, the question is...how do I do it, and what exercises can I perform?

This is where Bodybot comes in. In simple words, this program is AMAZING!

Bodybot allows you to select from a variety of exercises from their database, which are all well organized into upper body, lower body, total body, and abs/core exercise groups. You simply select 8 exercises, choose a background song, and you're all set!

You can clearly view videos of how each exercise is done by hovering your mouse over a particular exercise. It doesn't get any easier than that!

Bodybot uses the Tabata protocol for it's timing, which is 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest. The software even times it for you while your working out, which is very convenient. All you have to do is pick the exercises, run the program, and you're all set!

One downside to Bodybot is that it does not let you save your workout for later recall, but I'm sure they're going to add that feature in the near future. Also, if you want to work out along side the video, your computer monitor will have to be in the same place you exercise.

All I do is create the workout, watch it through one time so I know how to perform the workout, then type out and save the workout in a word document. I then print it out and during my 10 seconds of rest, just quickly glance at the next exercise on my list so I know what to do.

If you don't feel comfortable creating your own workouts, that's not a problem. Bodybot also offers a PDF of tons of HIIT routines. You get all this at an incredible value.

This program should definitely be a staple for anyone in fitness, and I highly recommend it to everyone in fitness, particularly those who are time-pressed.

Check it out at http://www.takeahiit.net