Thread: HIT Opinions

After taking 2 weeks off for vacation, I decided to try a modified approach to HIT just to get back into the groove. Much to my surprise, I really like it. Even though I'm in the maintenance phase of a cut, I've noticed some gains that I wasn't otherwise seeing. Now, this may be because of the time off, but just the same they're gains. I'm going to stick with the routine at least until Labor Day. Then I'll reevaluate and decide whether to continue or change back to my old split.

What is your routine? What is your diet?

My first HIT routine was on November 6 2001. Ever since, it's the only way i workout. Sometimes i switch from a split to full body routines and then back again.
Usually i have 2 workouts a week and it takes 2 weeks to complete a cycle. Now i'm working out 3 times a week, because i'm not doing anything else.

Mike

At a glance, you seem to be using a routine simmilar to that advocated by Mike Mentzer in Heavy Duty II

I have used HIT training and like it, then I switch back to the regular high volume training. I am happy with it. I wouldn't use it as my only workout though. Variety is good!

I switched to HIT recently when I started training for multi-sport events...my focus is not on weights anymore, I'm just doing it for maintenance. It takes less time.

Before I would do 4 sets per exercise with usually 2-3 exercises per body part, on a four day split routine. It worked just fine.

I've never done an HIT protocol myself, but the results in others speak for themselves. It certainly can work; you just have to make sure you are actually reaching the highest level of intensity that you can. I think one reason that some people don't have success with an HIT-style program is because they reach a point of refusal, not actual muscular failure.

I think one reason that some people don't have success with an HIT-style program is because they reach a point of refusal, not actual muscular failure.

yeah, you have to be pretty head strong to train like this. I love it but I get a little crazy at times. You really need to have mental strength to hang with a HIT program.

very few people can do it right

So are there different strategies to "help" or insure people do it right?

Originally Posted by rock4832

So are there different strategies to "help" or insure people do it right?

yeah:

1) push yourself as hard as you can
2) don't be a pussy
3) don't be a box
4) don't be a bitch

Originally Posted by P-funk

yeah:

1) push yourself as hard as you can
2) don't be a pussy
3) don't be a box
4) don't be a bitch

Alright, I got #3 down. Is that good enough?

What I meant was should people starting HIT start with maybe dropsets, or 2 sets or do rest/pause etc...

That's the thing, it might take more time but I don't know that i want to go to the extremes required in terms of negatives, forced reps, etc. To me doing moderate numbers of sets to failure is perfect; HIT might dissuade some from the enjoyment of workouts. As already mentioned, the failure point in HIT might be more on the mental than physical side, too gruelling to look forward to.

If you enjoy your workouts, then your not working out right.

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

If you enjoy your workouts, then your not working out right.

I never bought that. Sure when I am doing the set and my throat goes all dry and im shaking, and im hurting, etc. I don't like it, but before and after I love working out.

I really look forward to working out, but thats just me.

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

If you enjoy your workouts, then your not working out right.

I am a strong believer in this.

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

If you enjoy your workouts, then your not working out right.

With a HIT program, I completely believe that. It is also makes me think HIT is not the training style you want for the long term for the very same reason.

I like my workouts and I workout correctly. I am a masochist though.

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

If you enjoy your workouts, then your not working out right.

Hear, hear.

I didn't think such a short w/o would cut it, but i'm fuckin' SORE after the first day.

I like to do more sets but with high-intensity.

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

If you enjoy your workouts, then your not working out right.

I would definately have to agree, I was always under the assumption, if it's too easy, it must be WRONG!!!

Since I posted in here last time, I have tried HIT. I really enjoyed it, and I saw some good gains all around. It is brutal though, despite the short duration of the workout itself.

Have tried it and was not impressed at all. Its a very easy workout but it yielded nothing for me except a change in my routine for a while. After about 2 months I really lost size and strength on this workout......wont make that mistake twice.

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

Have tried it and was not impressed at all. Its a very easy workout but it yielded nothing for me except a change in my routine for a while. After about 2 months I really lost size and strength on this workout......wont make that mistake twice.

No offense, but if it was an easy workout then you weren't doing it right.