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

Anthony says that trendy workouts such as Pilates, HIIT, and Zone 2 training can be useful as long as the underlying training makes sense. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Nothing says luxury wellness quite like taking a HIIT circuit class in an industrial art studio rented by the hour for a corporate team-building retreat. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026

The Edge can display in-workout metrics and pace targets, heart rate zones for HIIT intervals, and other live figures to show you how your training is going. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

For people who are already consistently working out, this can look like a two- or three-minute burner at the end of a strength session or a dedicated 20- to 30-minute HIIT session two to three days a week. — Danielle Zickl, HEALTH, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above