What best describes the structure of HIIT workouts?

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is characterized by short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of recovery or lower-intensity activity. This training approach allows individuals to maximize their effort in a brief amount of time, leading to improved cardiovascular fitness, increased metabolic rate, and enhanced fat loss. The alternating intervals not only provide an effective workout but also make HIIT more engaging and less monotonous compared to traditional, continuous forms of exercise.

This structure distinguishes HIIT from other types of workout regimens, such as long, continuous exercise involving no breaks, which would not leverage the benefits of intensity fluctuation and recovery. Similarly, low-intensity steady-state cardio focuses on maintaining a lower heart rate for prolonged periods, lacking the dynamic nature that HIIT introduces with its high-intensity intervals. While some HIIT workouts may incorporate elements of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises, that description is broader and doesn't capture the defining structure that emphasizes alternating high-intensity efforts with recovery.