'HIIT' exercise suitable for busy people

This is because the numerous types of exercises which are performed via HIIT training can in only 30 minutes burn up to 1,000 calories compared to an hour of jogging.

The HIIT concept, which is popular abroad, is seen to be expanding in the Malaysian fitness industry over the past several years and is increasingly finding a place among the young other than individuals who place importance on health maintenance.

According to accredited HIIT coach, Tengku Nirwana Tengku Zainol Rashid, the practice of HIIT can strengthen the heart and make it more healthy because the pattern of movements for 30 seconds and rest for 10 seconds with every exercise will not burden the organ.

She said HIIT also does not need any special equipment because it is training based on our own bodily movements and can be done anywhere when there is free time.

"HIIT does not need a long time. In fact, its numerous exercises can boost a person's metabolism rate in a mere 30 minutes.

"The benefit of HIIT compared to other fitness training methods is that it burns the calories for 24 hours after performing it," he said.

Tengku Nirwana said, among the types of exercises which are suitable for individuals who want to perform the high impact exercises are push ups, squat, lunges and plank.

Tengku Nirwana, who had been performing the exercises for the past 10 years, suggests that a person should determine his level of capability before starting HIIT.

Commenting further, Tengku Nirwana said every individual must begin the training phases in stages, namely, from amateur to expert to suit personal capability with the exercises being carried out.