High-Intensity Interval Training, more commonly known as HIIT, has exploded in popularity due to its effectiveness in burning fat, building lean muscle, and improving cardiovascular fitness—all in a fraction of the time compared to traditional steady-state cardio. Instead of spending 30+ minutes on the stairmaster or treadmill, HIIT focuses on short bursts of intense effort followed by recovery periods, making workouts engaging, efficient, and equipment-free.
This 6-week HIIT plan incorporates nothing but your own bodyweight to help you build strength, endurance, and core stability. Perfect for at-home workouts, travel, or anyone looking to move more with less.
What Is HIIT?
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a cardiovascular and strength-based training method that alternates between short periods of maximum-intensity exercise and brief recovery periods. Unlike steady-state cardio, HIIT is designed to push your body into the anaerobic training zone, forcing it to burn more calories in less time.
One of HIIT's most powerful benefits is the "afterburn effect," scientifically referred to as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). This means your body continues to burn calories for up to 24–48 hours post-workout to restore metabolic homeostasis (LaForgia et al., 2006, Journal of Sports Sciences).
How Does HIIT Work?
There are a variety of formats used in HIIT training. Understanding them can help you get the most from every session.
AMRAP – As Many Rounds As Possible
You’ll perform a set of exercises repeatedly for a specific duration (e.g., 20 minutes) and complete as many rounds as possible. This style encourages pacing, endurance, and mental grit.
EMOM – Every Minute on the Minute
At the top of each minute, complete the prescribed movement(s). If you finish early, rest for the remainder of the minute. Repeat for the full duration (e.g., 5 minutes). EMOMs test your capacity for consistent output under time constraints.
TABATA – 20:10 Intervals
This structure includes 20 seconds of max effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 rounds (4 minutes total). Originally developed for Olympic speed skaters, Tabata is known for improving both aerobic and anaerobic capacity (Tabata et al., 1996, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise).
FINISHERS
Finishers are brief, high-intensity sequences added at the end of your workout to maximize fatigue and metabolic burn. For example, 3 minutes of jump rope or a max rep push-up challenge.
Dynamic Warm-Up: Prime for Performance
Before any HIIT workout, a dynamic warm-up is essential to activate your muscles, enhance range of motion, and prevent injury. Unlike static stretching, dynamic movements raise your heart rate, improve circulation, and stimulate the nervous system.
A 2012 study found that dynamic warmups significantly increased strength and power output compared to static stretching or no warm-up (Beedle et al., Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research).
Dynamic Warm-Up Routine (8–12 Minutes)
-
Jumping jacks – 1 min
-
High knees – 30 sec
-
Arm circles – 30 sec
-
Bodyweight lunges – 1 min
-
Air squats – 30 sec
-
Standing hamstring stretch – 30 sec
-
Inchworm walkouts – 1 min
-
Plank shoulder taps – 30 sec
🟨 Use about 20 feet of open space and adjust movements based on mobility and soreness.
Equipment-Free but Add-On Friendly
While this plan is bodyweight-only, feel free to scale intensity or variety using:
-
Resistance bands
-
Dumbbells or kettlebells
-
Jump ropes
-
Medicine balls
Pre-Workout Nutrition: Fuel to Perform
To perform at your peak, you need fuel. Consuming a light meal or snack 1–2 hours before training provides energy and improves endurance and intensity.
Ideal Pre-Workout Snack Options (1–2 Hours Prior)
-
Grilled chicken, sweet potato, green beans
-
Oatmeal with protein powder
-
Greek yogurt with honey and granola
Fast-Digesting Snacks (30–60 Minutes Prior)
💡 Tip: Keep fat content minimal pre-workout, as it slows digestion.
Post-Workout Nutrition: Recovery and Growth
Refueling within 30–60 minutes post-training helps reduce muscle breakdown, replenish glycogen, and promote recovery. Skipping post-workout nutrition can lead to soreness, slower gains, and greater risk of injury.
Quick Post-Workout Options
-
Whey protein isolate + Clean Carbs (Swolverine)
-
Banana + peanut butter protein shake
-
Chicken and rice
-
Overnight oats with protein powder
-
Greek yogurt and berries
📌 Supplement Tip: When whole food isn’t practical, quality supplements like Swolverine’s Whey Isolate and Clean Carbs provide fast-digesting nutrients with optimal recovery support.
The Science Behind HIIT: Why It Works
HIIT is highly effective due to its metabolic demands and time-efficiency:
-
Burns more fat than moderate-intensity cardio (Boutcher, 2011, Obesity Reviews)
-
Increases VO2 max and aerobic capacity
-
Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
-
Preserves lean muscle mass during weight loss
-
Activates Type II fast-twitch fibers critical for strength and hypertrophy
Whether you're new to HIIT or a seasoned fitness lover, this 6-week bodyweight HIIT plan is a powerful way to burn fat, improve endurance, and build muscle using minimal time and zero equipment. When paired with proper nutrition and smart recovery, HIIT is one of the most effective tools in your fitness arsenal.
Ready to commit? Check out The Swole Kitchen for personalized nutrition coaching and custom meal plans to support your fitness goals, boost performance, and take the guesswork out of eating for results.
Benefits of HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) offers a wide range of physiological, metabolic, and psychological benefits that make it one of the most effective and time-efficient training modalities available. Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle retention, or cardiovascular conditioning, HIIT delivers powerful results.
1. Burn More Calories in Less Time
One of HIIT’s biggest advantages is its ability to maximize caloric burn in a short amount of time. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Obesity found that HIIT burns significantly more calories than steady-state cardio, even when workout durations are shorter (Kravitz et al., Journal of Obesity).
2. Triggers the Afterburn Effect (EPOC)
HIIT significantly increases Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), meaning your body continues to burn calories for up to 24–48 hours post-workout as it restores oxygen, replenishes glycogen, and repairs muscle tissue (LaForgia et al., Journal of Sports Sciences).
3. Improves Cardiovascular and Anaerobic Fitness
HIIT improves both aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and anaerobic performance by training your heart, lungs, and muscles to work more efficiently under stress. Research has shown that short bursts of intense effort are more effective at improving cardiovascular health than moderate-intensity endurance training (Gillen & Gibala, The Journal of Physiology).
4. Supports Lean Muscle Retention
Unlike long bouts of cardio that can lead to muscle catabolism, HIIT helps preserve and build lean muscle mass by engaging fast-twitch muscle fibers. Many HIIT movements are strength-based (squats, push-ups, lunges), which promotes muscular development alongside fat loss.
5. Enhances Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolic Health
HIIT has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation, making it a valuable tool for reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and supporting metabolic health (Little et al., The Journal of Physiology).
6. Boosts Mental Toughness and Mood
The high-intensity nature of HIIT pushes you past your comfort zone, helping to build mental resilience, focus, and confidence. Additionally, it releases a surge of endorphins that can significantly improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety.
7. No Equipment, No Excuses
HIIT can be done anywhere, anytime, using just your body weight. This makes it ideal for home workouts, travel, or busy schedules. Plus, the variety of formats like EMOM, Tabata, and AMRAP keep things fresh and challenging.
6-Week High Intensity Training Program
Weeks 1-2
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Weeks 3-4
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Weeks 5-6
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Need Help With Optimizing Your Diet And Nutrition Plan To Finally Get The Results You've Been Waiting For?
The Swole Kitchen is an exclusive membership opportunity for those who are looking to pursue a performance-driven lifestyle. By combining wellness consulting, nutritional lifestyle improvement, and 1:1 customized nutrition plans to our members, our programs aim to optimize human potential. In each of our programs, you’ll receive guidance to reclaim your health, fuel your lifestyle, and pursue performance ambitions, all while learning how to make nutritional decisions from a place of self-trust and intuition. All of our coaches are committed to providing the highest level of results-driven wellness to our members.
SWOLVERINE IS AN ENDURANCE ATHLETE AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE BRAND. MADE FOR THE ELITE ATHLETE, AND THE STRONG-WILLED OUR PRODUCTS WERE DESIGNED TO FUEL YOUR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE. WE PERFORM WHEN YOU PERFORM.
We believe that everyone can optimize not only their athletic performance but their human potential. The way we believe we can optimize performance is through transparency, clinically effective doses, and clinically proven ingredients with evidence-based outcomes. We provide the nutrients you need to power your active lifestyle.
