HIIT And Hikers

Today, I share some insight into where HIIT training is a bit limited in the fitness industry, and if you enjoy this, how to get the most out of it.

If you have followed me for a while, you might know I am not a massive fan of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for hikers.



Not because it can't be beneficial.


But because 99% of people who use it, don't do it very effectively.


Which isn't a big deal for the everyday Joe, who is just looking to keep fitand lose weight...


But for a hiker, who is specifically wanting to improve their trail fitness, this can be a problem.


One of the most significant issues I see from HIT training is there is very rarely any longer-term structure or plan.


And people will just be doing random workouts each time they train. Pushing themselves towards fatigue and getting tired. And just hoping they are going to get fitter. 


Which can do wonders for a few weeks. And you will often notice a big difference to your fitness initially. But the benefits of this approach quickly slow down.


And after about six weeks or so, it can be REALLY hard to make any significant improvements. 


And then you are stuck on the hamster wheel of just pushing harder in your sessions, hoping that will get things moving again...


Alternatively, is someone took the time to put a TINY bit of planning around their HIIT workouts and figured out:  

• How they would progress the workout each week
  
  
• How they would apply new stimulus and challenge to the body (aside from just 'working harder')
  
  
• And when they would focus on rest and recovery (because you can't work hard all the time)

Then you would see a whole new world of benefits!


You could keep on progressing your fitness beyond that 4-6 week plateau...


You could dramatically decrease the risk of injury...


And you could eliminate a lot of the self-punishment many people face with HIIT when you have an 'off-day' and can't train as hard as you usually would. 


So my advice to any hiker who is reading this:


If you love your HITT that is fine. Go for it. Enjoy it.


But PLEASE do a little bit of planning.


Come up with a plan of attack. Figure out your progressions. And know exactly what you are trying to get out of each session. 


It will go a long, long way.


If you did need a hand with this and wanted some ideas on how to plan your HIIT to best help you on the trail, I would love for you to come join the Training For Hiking And Trekking Facebook Group. 


Here I am always happy to dive deeper into subjects, answer any questions and help any hiker out with their training.


You can find it here:  


The Training For Hiking And Trekking Facebook Group


Yours in trekking,  


Rowan