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What is HIIT? The Fast Way to Get Fit.

January 29, 2026
Fitness

In the world of high-performance fitness, time is the most valuable commodity. Whether you are balancing a demanding career in the city or a high-octane lifestyle, you need a training routine that delivers maximum physiological ROI (Return on Investment).

Enter HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training. It is more than just a fitness trend; it is a scientifically proven method to elevate your athletic ceiling in a fraction of the time required by traditional cardio.

As we launch Week 1: PEAK POWER of our 4-week Hybrid training programme at Topnotch Gyms, we’re looking at why this routine is the preferred choice for the elite athlete.

The Efficiency of Intensity

HIIT isn't about working longer; it’s about working harder. By alternating between short bursts of anaerobic activity (reaching 85–95% of your maximum heart rate) and brief recovery periods, you force your body to adapt at an accelerated rate.

Research consistently shows that 20 minutes of high-intensity intervals can provide the same cardiovascular and metabolic benefits as 60 minutes of steady-state exercise. For the Topnotch member, this means you can achieve peak conditioning without spending hours on the gym floor. To ensure you are hitting these precision targets, our boutique classes offer elite coaching in a high-energy environment. View the Topnotch class schedule here.

The Science of the 'Afterburn'

The true value of a HIIT session lies in what happens after you shower and leave the club. This is a physiological phenomenon known as EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption).

When you push your body into its "Power" zone, you create an oxygen debt that the body must "repay" throughout the day. This keeps your metabolic rate significantly elevated for up to 24 hours, meaning you are burning fat and repairing muscle tissue long after your session has concluded.

Why 'Power' Matters

In Week 1 of our Hybrid MOVE programme, we focus on the Power 5 Protocol. This phase of training is designed to:

  • Increase VO2 Max: Improving how efficiently your body uses oxygen.
  • Enhance Muscle Definition: Unlike long-distance cardio, HIIT helps maintain and define lean muscle mass.
  • Boost Growth Hormone: High-intensity training naturally triggers the release of hormones responsible for repair and fat loss.

Elite Execution: The Power 5 Protocol

At Topnotch Gyms, we don't believe in "one-size-fits-all." While HIIT is intense, it is entirely precision-based. Whether you are utilising the air bikes, the kettlebells, or the rowers, your goal is to hit your personal 100% effort.

This week, we challenge you to master our Power 5 Protocol:

  1. Kettlebell Swings (Explosive Hips)
  1. Dumbbell Thrusters (Full Body Integration)
  1. Box Jumps (Reactive Power)
  1. Burpees (Metabolic Conditioning)
  1. Rowing Sprint (Peak Output)

Begin Your Power Phase

We have an exciting Summer Inter-Club Challenge on the horizon, and your performance in the "Power" phase will determine your baseline.

Pick up your HIIT Challenge Card from the coaching team at Reception today. Track your metrics, master the "Afterburn," and find out what it means to train at the Topnotch Gyms standard.