Low Impact HIIT Workouts at a Glance

HIIT is a type of workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity less intense activity or complete rest. It’s a great way to boost aerobic activity while burning calories and fat.

While it’s commonly associated with activities like cycling, running, moves like burpees and jump squats, HIIT workouts don’t always have to involve high-impact movements.

You can still reap the fat-burning and metabolism-boosting benefits of a HIIT workout using low-impact moves. This is an excellent option for people who may be injured, pregnant women, or if you’re still sore from a previous workout.

Low impact HIIT exercises are just as efficient and time-saving as their high-impact counterparts. They are also gentler on the joints and muscles so you’re less likely to get injured and experience DOS the next day.

Carbs: The Secret to Better Workouts

Carbs are one of the three macronutrients that form a large part of our diet. It’s one of the body’s main sources of energy along with protein and fat. The body breaks it down into glucose which it then uses to fuel our activities from breathing to doing burpees.

Carbohydrates can be classified into three types:

• Sugars are simple short-chain compounds (monosaccharides and disaccharides) found in fruit like apples and the ubiquitously demonized white sugar. They taste sweet and tend to be highly palatable.
  
• Starch is a longer chain of sugar compounds (polysaccharides). This type includes things such as bread, pasta, grains, and potatoes.
  
• Dietary fiber is the odd one out. It’s also a polysaccharide, but the gut can’t digest it.
  

Carbohydrates often get a bad rap due to the misconception that they cause weight gain. But carbs aren’t evil. In fact they play an important role in your workouts. It’s a great fuel that can improve your physical performance especially during high-intensity workouts.

What to Eat for Better Workouts

Healthy carbohydrates can be sourced from a variety of foods including nuts, fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains and legumes. These contain vitamins, fiber, and minerals which are important for keeping the body happy and healthy.

What you need to be careful of is food that are high in calories, are loaded with simple sugars, and have little nutritional value like candies, sodas, and junk food.

If you want to give your workouts an extra boost, don’t reach for that candy bar or cookie. Instead, try snacking on these to give your body a steady supply of glucose while you workout:

• Whole-grain cereal, berries, and skim or low-fat milk
  
• Oatmeal made with skim milk, sprinkled with crushed flaxseed
  
• 1/2 whole-grain bagel with peanut butter and banana slices
  
• Smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, and orange juice
  
• Poached egg on whole-wheat toast with 1/2 grapefruit
  
• Salad with mandarin orange slices, slivered almonds, and veggies, drizzled with olive oil
  
• Yogurt parfait with low-fat granola
  
• Apple or celery slices with peanut butter and raisins
  
• Meal replacement shakes or bars (Check the label to make sure it's approximately 220 calories or less.)
  
• Brown rice and steamed veggies sprinkled with a little cheese