Denver HIIT Classes

HIIT offers many key benefits that go beyond improved general fitness levels. The explosive, high-intensity format can significantly improve cardiovascular health by repeatedly pushing your heart rate during short to medium intervals. This can support weight loss by burning calories during and after class. Several studies have demonstrated HIIT’s ability to increase your metabolic rate for hours after exercise. Muscle growth and increased power are also attributed to these workouts, especially when used in combination with weights and a Kesier Functional Trainer. Other benefits include better oxygen utilization, reduced blood pressure, bone strength, and mental focus

Consistent HIIT training does build muscle, but should also be combined with traditional strength training. During HIIT workouts, your muscles experience significant tension and stress, two key factors that trigger muscle growth. Intense bursts of resistance or bodyweight movements create the necessary stimulus for hypertrophy, but the primary benefits of high-intensity training lie in the cardiovascular fitness gains. Weight training typically provides better muscle-building results since it allows for heavier loads and longer time under tension. For optimal muscle growth, consider combining HIIT with dedicated Strength Studio classes.

A typical Traverse HIIT class at our South Denver gym will last 60 minutes which includes an instructor-led walkthrough of each movement and a warm-up before getting started. You can expect 5-15 minutes at each station depending on the daily programming. Research shows that 30-45 minutes of high-intensity exercise is optimal to elevate your heart rate for a sustained period of time while also pushing your strength to the next level.

Your best option to stay comfortable and ready to tackle anything that our HIIT workouts can throw at you are cross-training shoes. These are specifically designed to support the dynamic, multi-directional movements that are common in our HIIT programming. Running shoes will excel at the treadmill station, but may not provide the most lateral stability. Your footwear should have features like a stable base for lifting, good grip for quick maneuvers, and cushioning for plyometrics. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but we recommend swapping out of your Vans before class.

For most, 3-4 HIIT classes per week is recommended which allows for adequate recovery time between sessions. As high-intensity training will push you physically, it is important to find balance to allow your body to adapt and strengthen. If you’re new to HIIT, start with just 1-2 classes per week and gradually increase the frequency as you start to see your endurance and recovery time improve. Depending on your fitness goals, you can take HIIT workouts in addition to other types of exercise throughout the week. With Strength, Altitude, and Thermotherapy access available at Traverse, you can craft the perfect training and recovery plan under one membership.