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subject: P90X and High Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT) [print this page]

As I got closer and closer to the 90-day "finish line" of my P90X Round 1, I wanted to do everything I could to enhance and further my results. That said, between my scheduled "X" workout, a full-time job, a long commute to/from work each day and full-time "dad" responsibilities, spare time was short.

In doing a lot of fitness/nutrition/supplement research during my first 90 days, I read numerous articles on interval training. The articles generally praised the fat-burning and performance-enhancement affects, especially in the "fast-twitch" muscle fibers, of short, but intense, bursts of exercise.

HIIT - Before and After

So, I started to experiment with interval training during Phase 3 of P90X. I'd run 1/4 mile for a warm-up, which took about (4) minutes. I'd then do anywhere from (10) to (15) cycles of flat-out, 60-second full-sprints, broken up by lazy, 60-second jogs in between. Finally, I'd finish with a 1/4 mile cool-down. Total time: about 28 minutes. Calorie burn: Xcellent!

If you review my YouTube "transformation" video, look at the incredible difference between the Day 60 and Day 70 photo, which is exactly the period of time when I introduced HIIT into my fitness program.

HIIT can come from anything really, it's not necessarily limited to running. For example, I've done HIIT on my elliptical machine many times, just using the same concept: 60-seconds of maximum effort (usually a speed of 15.0 - 17.0 on my New Balance machine) followed up by 60-seconds of a lazy, almost listless effort.

If you feel like you've plateaued, or have stubborn pockets of body fat that you'd like to incinerate, try High Intensity Interval Training - it's been very successful for many people that I coach, as well as myself!

More about the P90X.

Watch his amazing P90X Results.

P90X and High Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT)

By: Joel Sydanmaa

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