HIIT workouts (high-intensity interval training) deliver maximum results in minimal time by alternating short bursts of all-out effort with short rest periods. This time-efficient full-body HIIT routine is scalable for beginners to advanced athletes, with low-impact options for each exercise provided. Increase endurance, burn calories and build explosive athletic power at home with this quick HIIT workout.
As a personal trainer, one of the biggest mistakes I see people making when they want to increase muscle definition or lose weight is jumping on the treadmill or elliptical for hours.
Although steady-state cardio has its place, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts deliver effective results in less time than other types of training, which makes it a great option for people who are short on time. HIIT workouts are also known for being particularly effective at burning fat and supporting weight loss.
HIIT workouts involve alternating short, intense bursts of exercise with brief recovery periods. During your “work” interval, the goal is to be working at 80-90% of your maximum heart rate (MHR). Alternating bursts of all-out effort with short periods of rest keeps your heart rate high for the entire workout, maximizing calorie burn and increasing endurance.
The intensity of this type of training means that the most effective HIIT workouts are generally short, with the majority being under 30 minutes. The goal is to be working at a pace so challenging you can’t sustain it for much longer than that.
Although HIIT workouts are high-intensity by nature, there are ways to scale the workouts to make them appropriate for all fitness levels. You can adjust the exercises to be low-impact, decrease the work time, increase the rest time or perform fewer sets of each exercise to make HIIT workouts beginner-friendly.
HIIT is more of a workout framework than a specific style of training (such as lifting weights or running). That’s why there are so many variations of HIIT workouts, including HIIT with weights, HIIT tabata and barre HIIT. This means you can tailor your HIIT training workouts at home to fit your schedule, equipment available and personal preferences.
The guided 30-Minute HIIT Workout on YouTube includes 3 circuits of full-body HIIT exercises. If you only have 10 minutes to work out, I recommend the bodyweight circuit below!

“I am a 27-year-old still at home with my parents not always able to get in the actual gym! So grateful for these workouts and this community. It’s not just for moms, but for everyone!”
— Marie
Targets: Legs, quads, outer glutes (gluteus medius), inner thighs, calves and core.

Targets: Upper body (chest, arms, triceps, back, shoulders), lower body (legs, glutes, hips) and core.

Modification: Substitute towel slams for burpees. Or perform walking burpees, stepping your feet in and out of plank position rather than jumping. If you struggle with push-ups, try one of these push-up modifications, or check out my free push-up program!
Targets: Upper abs, lower abs, obliques, shoulders, glutes and thighs.

Modification: Perform standing marches or high knees.
It depends on your fitness level and goals. I recommend beginners start with performing 1 HIIT workout per week. More advanced fitness enthusiasts can perform 2-3 HIIT workouts per week, alternating with lower-intensity strength training workouts. For optimal results, follow a well-rounded workout plan that includes a mix of strength and HIIT workouts.
HIIT workouts are effective, but they’re also taxing. You should talk to your medical care provider before attempting any HIIT workouts if you have cardiovascular issues, respiratory issues or chronic joint pain. If you’re pregnant, postpartum or a complete beginner, I recommend starting with low-impact versions of HIIT exercises.
You should prioritize the type of training that matches your fitness goals. If your goal is to build strength or build muscle, put weight training first. If your goal is to improve cardiovascular fitness and performance, put HIIT sessions first. Most people will benefit from doing HIIT after weight training, as it allows you to maintain proper form during your lifting session.
Yes, properly warming up before a HIIT workout is crucial to prevent injury and optimize performance. A dynamic warm-up prepares your joints for impact, wakes up the nervous system and increases your core temperature, preparing the body for exercise and minimizing risk of injury. Don’t skip the cool-down either!
Both HIIT workouts and moderate-intensity steady-state cardio workouts have health benefits like strengthening your heart, lowering your blood pressure, reducing blood sugar levels and lowering your risk of heart disease. The main benefit of HIIT workouts compared to steady-state cardio is the amount of time required. Whereas steady-state cardio workouts can often last 45-60+ minutes, a 20-minute HIIT workout is enough to encourage fat loss and increase endurance. HIIT workouts are also known for the “after-burn effect”, also known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). This means your body continues to burn extra calories for hours after your workout is completed.

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