WHAT YOU NEED
One of the best things about HIIT is that you need little more than your body and a great attitude to get an incredible workout. However, there are a few pieces of equipment that will help to optimize your comfort and performance.
FOOTWEAR
During your workout, it’s important to consider the placement of your feet on the floor. Improper positioning can lead to an unstable base of support and could cause injury.
To make you more aware of your foot position, I recommend a minimalist-style shoe when training. Two styles specifically designed for HIIT are the Nike Free 1.0 Cross Bionic and INOV-8’s F-Lite range of shoes. If you’re new to minimalist footwear, it’s best to alternate between your old shoes and the minimalist shoes for about two weeks, allowing your body to adjust to the decrease in cushioning and support.
TOWEL
HIIT can get sweaty! Have a towel on hand to wipe the sweat from your brow and to keep your work surface dry.
FOAM ROLLER
Foam rollers are an inexpensive tool used to provide myofascial release in much the same way as static stretching and massage. Use of a foam roller can prevent injury and speed recovery post-workout.
YOGA MAT
You may wish to use a yoga mat for floor exercises. It will provide traction and may be more comfortable for exercises done on the back.
WATCH OR TIMER
A watch or timer is essential for keeping track of the work and rest intervals during HIIT routines. Use whatever is comfortable and easy to operate, whether it’s a sport watch, a heart rate monitor, or a smartphone app that allows you to program intervals.
Some exercises can be made more challenging with the addition of a stability ball or gliding discs. Make sure you’ve mastered the movement before adding these options.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
HIIT is about using as many muscle groups as possible in unison during fast explosive exercises. Adding weights or performing isolation exercises, such as bicep curls, can be prohibitive. However, for some core exercises, it’s okay to challenge yourself by incorporating added weight. You can add resistance to exercises like Russian twists, V-ups, and sprinter sit-ups by using a dumbbell, kettlebell, or medicine ball.
In the studio I use a product called SandBells® from Hyperwear (hyperwear.com). These weights contain sand, which shifts with your movements, challenging your balance and making your workout more effective. Hyperwear also makes a product called Hyper-Vest® Pro. This weighted vest adds 10 pounds of evenly distributed weight to the torso, and is a safe and effective way to add resistance to every exercise in this book.