HIIT or Miss?

The useful part

If you're doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) — you're practically Simone Biles. After all, the exercise routine was created in the 1950s to help elite athletes improve their performance. Admittedly, the workout for Olympians was a bit more intense than the HIIT routines most people do today — but it's still giving Biles vibes.

How it works

• Because of the intensity, the workouts are short — usually 30 minutes or less.
• When was the last time you felt like an Olympian during your workout?
• Some health benefits associated with HIIT include decreased risk for cardiovascular disease (the number one killer of women in the U.S.), lower blood pressure levels and mental health perks.
• Here's what science says and everything you need to know about high-intensity interval training.
• The exercise routine involves cycles of brief, high-intensity exercise periods alternating with low-intensity recovery periods.

What to take from it

HIIT can be integrated into pretty much any exercise routine such as running, walking, biking or dancing.

Details worth keeping

It turns out HIIT may be able to do more than just improve performance. High-intensity interval training is pretty much just like it sounds. It's important to pick something you like so you can stay motivated.