So for some reason I recently have become obsessed with High Intensity Interval Training. I use the elliptical and do approximately 7 reps (1 minute high intensity followed by 1.5 minutes low intensity) which equals about 30 minutes total for the routine. Previous to starting this method I would traditionally do 50-60 minutes at a moderate level.

So far I am far more exhausted following 25 minutes of HIIT than I was following 60 minutes of moderate activity.

I am really hopping this will be what pushes me off my current plateau and allows me to get to the next level.

Anybody else using tabata or other HIIT methods?

Off and on, I have.

Have you tried cardio coach for the elliptical? Have a look at www.cardiocoach.com, his programs (which you play on an ipod or MP3) REALLY make the time fly and get you on the right intervals and intensity. You get long intervals, short intervals, etc. Also Treadmill Trainer is good, but you'll have to google that, not sure of the URL.

I also do a lot of Bootcamp at a local group and that's similar, really high intensity interval stuff.

What I have found is that it has blown away the last of that body fat, but unfortunately I notice when I go for a run that I've slightly lost my endurance and aerobic base. I've got a lot more fuel in the tank for brief spurts and can get through an hour of bootcamp, but the longer runs over 10kms are harder for me now.

I really enjoy the bootcamp, a lot of the intervals are done in the form of exquisite tortures such as squat jumps, lung walking with a 10kg bar, burpees etc - and believe me, burpees work even better than sprinting to send your heart rate through the roof. So I've found I've gotten great toning at the same time.

So I think its a matter of what your priorities are. I figure I dont really *need* to run more than 10kms but its simple, come running season which it is now here in Melbourne, do more running, less intervals. Come bikini season DEFINITELY do more intervals, lol.

Edited June 28, 201016 yr by Jachut