My 15-Minute Beginner HIIT Workout

So. I’ve been a tad bit obsessed with trying to find a workout that I can finish in less than 20 minutes. A 15-minute beginner HIIT workout hits the spot just right. Yes, I could get up at 5, but I really don’t want to. And since I work in the evenings, I need to make sure that I take care of myself during the day…which includes fitting in a workout.

My 15-Minute Beginner HIIT Workout

If you have kids, especially kids stuck inside when it’s pouring outside, you understand the need for time-sensitive workouts. I recently posted a review of the new Tracy Anderson workout, which includes 3 20-minute workouts…but let’s face facts: by the time you get the DVD in, on, and going, we’re really talking 30 minutes.

Or maybe I’m just slow….

Don’t answer that.

Regardless, my DVD player decided that it didn’t want to cooperate this week, so I had to get creative. I knew that I still had to get my workouts in, so I’ve been alternating between Blogilates workouts, the free barre workouts I’ve collected, and HIIT.

Wait…What Is HIIT?

Honestly, it’s nothing new…they just gave it a fancy name. Basically, HIIT is when you exert yourself at your max for a period of time (usually between 10 seconds and a minute) and then follow with a lower impact exercise or rest period.

Most HIIT workouts are short-think 10-20 minutes for a total body + cardio workout. I like them because they combine a lot of different workout styles (think yoga, pilates, plyometrics, etc.) into a short, functional, fast routine.

Why HIIT?

  1. Well, it’s fun-Smalls loves to jump around and “exercise” with me during my 15-minute workouts.gymboss interval timer My 15-Minute Beginner HIIT Workout
  2. But it’s also (as I mentioned) short, so for someone like me, you’re not going to get stuck mid-workout and have to stop.
  3. All you need is 10-20 minutes. Seriously.
  4. You don’t need to go to a gym.
  5. All you need is an interval timer. (I love my Gymboss, but you can use an app, too.)

I’ve been doing a HIIT every other day for a few weeks, and I’m really digging the results I’m getting. Yes, I’m still doing my barre workouts, some Tangoflex, and a lot of stretching. But I really think that the big changes are coming from my HIIT workouts.

My pants are fitting looser, my mommy pooch is shrinking, and my arms are slimming out. Ish also mentioned that my girls have shrunk (I’m probably the only one in this relationship that is actually excited about that! NO MORE BACK PAIN!). I know I have a long way to go, but this beginner HIIT is helping me get there:

My 15-Minute Beginner HIIT Workout

Beginner HIIT Workout

 

Sumo Squat

Step Jacks

Butt Kicks

So, what do YOU think? Are you going to give HIIT a try?

Posted in

Brea

12 Comments

  1. Chardae on June 25, 2015 at 10:44 am

    Thanks! I’m pinning this, I’ll need it after I have my baby in a few months.

    • Brea on June 25, 2015 at 10:45 am

      It’s the only way I get a workout in lately! Congrats on your new baby!!



  2. Megan @ Wit & Wander on June 25, 2015 at 11:00 am

    I love this post! HIIT workouts are the best!! Thanks for sharing such a simple workout – they are necessary for tired mamas like me!

    • Brea on June 25, 2015 at 11:04 am

      That’s why I love them!!



  3. Susannah on June 25, 2015 at 11:00 am

    Oooo… I could TOTALLY fit this in to my schedule!!!

    • Brea on June 25, 2015 at 11:05 am

      Yup! Let me know what you think!



  4. Hannah Diane on June 25, 2015 at 11:09 am

    This is great! Thanks for sharing!!

    • Brea on June 25, 2015 at 11:17 am

      You’re welcome!



  5. Crystal on June 25, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Thank you for sharing this. I need this in my life. A workout I can get in that quick? Sign me up! I love the YMCA and going to the gym…but sometimes that’s a 2 hour ordeal.

    • Brea on June 25, 2015 at 11:18 am

      Yup! And my youngest absolutely refuses to not scream himself hoarse in the care center.



  6. Brittany Bergman on June 25, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    HIIT workouts are my FAVORITE! You get so much bang for your workout buck. I love being able to get a great cardio workout that also tones my muscles — and they are never boring!

    • Brea on June 25, 2015 at 12:48 pm

      I know! I’ve been skeptical until now, but I am addicted!



Leave a Comment