I used to be a cardio junkie. I would not only take several step classes at the gym but I would also do hour long cardio programs at home. On top of that, a few days a week I would do some strength training. I used to be one of those people who thought that if I wanted to lose weight (which was my goal a the time), I just needed to burn more calories by doing more cardio… and more cardio… and more cardio. 
Sound familiar?
Lucky for me (and the clients that I train), I’ve discovered that I don’t need hour long cardio sessions. If the intensity is high enough, all I need is 30 minutes. When I first learned about high intensity workouts I didn’t believe they could be more beneficial than my marathon cardio sessions. How could I achieve the results I wanted in only 30 minutes? Not possible I thought.
But I decided to give it a try. I started to do 30 minute metabolic conditioning workouts which basically means that I lifted heavy weights to make my muscles burn and at a rate which kept my heart rate up. I did this type of workout for several months and do you know what? It worked! I burned calories while building/toning muscles. I was definitely hooked.
Fast forward a few months to when I was introduced to a program called Les Mills GRIT. Les Mills is a brand that has produced many different group exercise programs that are taughtly primarily in gyms around the world. I’ve done Les Mills’ Body Pump and Combat classes so I knew the quality of the programs that were coming out. The GRIT program however, really intrigued me.
GRIT is a HIIT program. You’ve probably heard about HIIT training because high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the hottest fitness trends right now – it’s the fastest way to get fit, and in shape. Short, sharp bursts of effort allow you to reach maximum training zones and that’s the secret to seeing the seeing the physical transformation that I was after.
There a few things that make GRIT different from other HIIT training. Here is what Les Mills says about the program:
LES MILLS GRIT™ Series features three unique workouts:
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Using barbell, weight plate and body weight exercises, LES MILLS GRIT™ Strength is an intense 30-minute team training workout that will blast all major muscle groups and take your strength into another zone. |
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LES MILLS GRIT™ Plyo is a plyometric-based workout that delivers fast results!Combining the principles of explosive plyometrics and power agility training, you’ll build a powerful, agile and athletic body. |
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LES MILLS GRIT™ Cardio is a high-impact cardio workout like nothing else.Designed to burn fat and rapidly improve athletic capability, this explosive, 30-minute workout combines high impact body weight exercises and uses no equipment. |
I’ve never found another program like this. I went from spending 8 hours a week at the gym to only 3 hours a week and interestingly, I’ve achieved better results.
While reading the official description of the program may sound like it is only for those who are already physically fit, it really isn’t. Someone who is new to exercise, can do this program because this program that can be modified to any level. Each GRIT class is lead by GRIT coach whose job is to push each individual out of their comfort zone, but still within their ability. If you can find a GRIT class near you, I would definitely recommend that you experience it for yourself. If you can’t find a class near you, try this simple 9 minute HIIT workout:
10 Jump Squats
10 Pushups
10 Jumping Lunges
Repeat cycle as many times as possible for 2 minutes. Then rest for 1 minute.
Repeat the 2 minute work/1 minute rest cycle 2 more times for a total of 3 rounds.
That’s it! Quick and simple workout that requires no equipment and can be done everywhere. Give it a try!