HIIT

abbreviation or noun

ˈhit 

: a form of interval training that alternates very brief periods (such as 20 to 40 seconds) of intense exercise at maximum effort with periods (such as 15 to 30 seconds) of less intense exercise : high-intensity interval training

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique that requires you to perform quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short and active recovery periods.

—Sudhakar Jha

Examples of HIIT in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In their everyday training—mainly lifting and HIIT workouts—football players work their larger muscles (say, glutes and quads) that prime them for explosion and momentum, Schiller explains. —Danielle Zickl, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025

Any form of exercise is better than none, and the types that burn the most calories include cardiovascular activities like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), swimming, running, and biking. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Forth also regularly holds group fitness classes focusing on high-intensity interval training (aka HIIT), yoga, and spin, as well as mat and reformer pilates. —Keyaira Boone, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2025

Subscription fitness platform ClassPass now goes beyond their in-person studio access in 2500 cities worldwide to provide on-demand and live-streamed workouts ranging from HIIT to dance to pilates. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above