Expert: Kim Farmer - 12/16/2010

Question
Hi
I just started doing what I think is a H.I.I.T. workout to get  that stubborn belly fat off( in addition to a good diet). Here is what I do. I pedal my exercise bike on the hardest setting so after about 30 seconds I give out-then I rest by pedaling backwards for 30 seconds.
I do this 5 times.
Next I do one set of squats, heavy weight low reps.
Then I repeat the bike thing.
It all takes less than 20 minutes and I am pretty exhausted. After about an hour however I feel energised.
I think you are only supposed to do this on alternate days, but I seem to have the energy and desire to do it Monday to Friday with weekends off.
Do you think this will be effective if I keep it up for several more weeks?

Answer
Hello, thank you for your question.  It sounds like a pretty good workout.  I think you should start seeing some results after a few weeks if you are also watching your food intake.  I would recommend another type of exercise on the alternate days, perhaps strength training focusing on upper body since you are only doing squats.  You should also incorporate some cardio on these alternate days but not H.I.I.T.  Maybe walking or jogging, or other types of cardio that you enjoy.

I hope this helps, thanks for the question.

Kim Farmer
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
ACE Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
www.milehighfitness.com
www.milehighfitness.com/fitnessmatters