HIIT stands for high intensity interval training. During a HIIT workout, you give your maximum effort (100%) for short bursts of time (20-60 seconds). This is followed by brief periods of active recovery or minimal effort. The maximum effort to minimum effort is often in a 2:1 ratio.

Here’s an example of a HIIT circuit. Let’s consider sprinting. After warming up, start with an all-out 20-second sprint. The sprint is then followed by a 10-second recovery (walk). You complete this at least 8 times. A total of 3 to 5 different movements will give you a 12- to 20-minute HIIT workout. Simple, right?

Why does HIIT work?

Popular teaching tells us that a workout should last an hour. At least half an hour, right? So, is a 20-minute HIIT workout really effective? To be honest, the original research showed results with just a 4-minute workout! HIIT is not just a trend or a fad. It’s here to stay. Here’s a quick review of the science:

In 1996, Izumi Tabata, PhD, published a ground-breaking stu...

As the month of January comes to an end, I’d like to take a closer look at the number one New Year’s resolution for 2019: “Eat healthier.” Sounds simple, right? But there’s so much noise out there about how! Should you start a diet? If so, which one?! U.S. News & World Report declared the Mediterranean diet as the best in the nation. But your office mates say you should “Go paleo!” And how is that different from “going keto?” And what in the world is gluten and why can’t I have it?! Let’s take a closer look at these four diets: (1) Mediterranean (2) Paleo (3) Keto (4) Gluten-free.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean region surrounds the Mediterranean Sea and includes several countries including Greece, and some of Italy and Spain. The Mediterranean diet is quite popular in the U.S. right now and encapsulates much of the region’s eating habits.

Why are fans raving?

In a study of more than 1.5 million people on the Mediterranean diet, there were fewer deaths, especially those ...