May 24, 2023 6 min read
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a popular workout trend in recent years, and for good reason. HIIT workouts are designed to be short, intense bursts of exercise followed by brief periods of rest. This type of training has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle strength and endurance, and burn calories more efficiently than steady-state cardio workouts.
One piece of equipment that can be particularly useful for HIIT workouts is a bench. A bench can provide a stable surface for a variety of exercises, and can help you add variety and intensity to your workouts. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a bench for HIIT workouts:
Shop The Collection: BenchesOne of the great things about using a bench for HIIT workouts is that it allows you to do a wide range of exercises. With just a bench and your own bodyweight, you can perform exercises like push-ups, tricep dips, lunges, and more. You can also use the bench to add weight to your workouts by performing exercises like bench press, shoulder press, and bicep curls with dumbbells or a barbell.
Shop The Gear: CAP Barbell Adjustable FID Workout Benches, from $135.99 USDIn addition to the variety of exercises you can do with a bench, you can also use it in different ways to add intensity to your workouts. For example, you can use the bench as an incline to make push-ups more challenging, or as a decline to increase the difficulty of tricep dips. You can also use the bench as a stepping stone to perform plyometric exercises like box jumps or tuck jumps. The versatility of a bench makes it a valuable tool for HIIT workouts.
Another benefit of using a bench for HIIT workouts is that it can improve your stability and balance. When you perform exercises like lunges, step-ups, or single-leg squats on a bench, it provides a stable surface for you to work on. This can be especially helpful for beginners or for people who are recovering from an injury, as it can help reduce the risk of falls or other accidents.
In addition, using a bench can also help you improve your balance by forcing you to engage your core muscles and maintain proper form. For example, when you perform a single-leg squat on a bench, you have to use your core muscles to keep yourself upright and maintain your balance. This can help improve your overall stability and balance, which can translate to other areas of your fitness and daily life.
A bench can also be a useful tool for targeting specific muscle groups and enhancing muscle activation during HIIT workouts. For example, using a bench for chest press or shoulder press exercises allows you to focus on these muscle groups more effectively than if you were doing the same exercises on the floor. Similarly, using a bench for tricep dips or leg raises can help isolate and engage these muscle groups more effectively than if you were doing the same exercises on the floor.
In addition to targeting specific muscle groups, using a bench can also help you engage your muscles more fully and effectively. For example, when you perform a push-up on a bench, you are able to get a deeper range of motion than if you were doing a push-up on the floor. This can help you activate your muscles more fully and get a more effective workout.
Another benefit of using a bench for HIIT workouts is that it is a convenient and easy-to-use piece of equipment. Most benches are lightweight and portable, so you can easily move them around your home or gym as needed. You can also find benches in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your specific needs and preferences.
In addition, using a bench is generally very easy and intuitive. Most exercises that can be done on a bench are easy to learn and perform, even for beginners. This makes a bench a great option for people who are new to HIIT workouts or who may be intimidated by more complex pieces of equipment.
Finally, using a bench for HIIT workouts can be a cost-effective way to get in shape. Many benches are relatively inexpensive, and they can provide a wide range of exercises and workouts without the need for additional equipment. This makes a bench a great option for people on a budget or for those who don't have access to a fully-equipped gym.
Using a bench for HIIT workouts can also help improve your mobility and flexibility. Many exercises that can be performed on a bench require a full range of motion, which can help improve your joint mobility and flexibility over time. For example, exercises like lunges or single-leg squats on a bench can help improve your hip and leg flexibility, while exercises like push-ups or dips can help improve your shoulder and upper body flexibility.
In addition to the mobility and flexibility benefits of exercises performed on a bench, the bench itself can be used as a stretching tool. For example, you can use the bench to perform static stretches like seated forward folds or pigeon pose, or use it as a prop for dynamic stretches like leg swings or arm crosses. Adding stretching to your HIIT workouts can help improve your overall flexibility and range of motion, which can help reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance in other physical activities.
Another benefit of using a bench for HIIT workouts is that it can help improve your mental focus and concentration. HIIT workouts are generally high-intensity and require a lot of focus and concentration in order to perform the exercises correctly and safely. Using a bench can help you focus on your form and technique, as it provides a stable surface for you to work on. This can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your workout, which can ultimately lead to better results.
In addition to the concentration benefits of using a bench, the bench itself can be used as a tool for mental focus and concentration. For example, you can use the bench as a visual focal point during balance exercises, or use it to help you maintain proper form during strength exercises. By focusing on your form and technique, you can improve your mental focus and concentration, which can help you get more out of your HIIT workouts.
Using a bench for HIIT workouts can also help improve your coordination and body control. Many exercises that can be performed on a bench require a high level of coordination and control in order to execute them correctly. For example, exercises like single-leg squats or balance push-ups require you to maintain control of your body and balance while performing the exercise. Over time, this can help improve your coordination and body control, which can translate to other areas of your fitness and daily life.
In addition, using a bench for HIIT workouts can also help you develop new skills and movements. For example, you can use the bench to perform exercises like plyometric box jumps or tuck jumps, which require a high level of coordination and body control. By practicing these exercises on a bench, you can improve your coordination and body control, which can help you progress to more advanced exercises and movements.
Finally, using a bench for HIIT workouts can help improve your cardiovascular fitness. HIIT workouts are known for their ability to boost cardiovascular fitness, and using a bench can help enhance this effect. By performing exercises like bench jumps, plyometric box jumps, or tuck jumps on a bench, you can increase your heart rate and challenge your cardiovascular system. This can help improve your overall cardiovascular fitness and endurance, which can lead to better health and performance in other physical activities.
Using a bench for HIIT workouts can provide a wide range of benefits, including increased mobility and flexibility, enhanced mental focus and concentration, improved coordination and body control, and improved cardiovascular fitness. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, a bench can be a valuable tool for your HIIT workouts. So next time you're planning a HIIT workout, consider incorporating a bench into your routine to take your fitness to the next level.