High intensity interval training or what it’s also known as HIIT is one of the most demanding types of workouts on the fitness scene. It’s highly effective at helping one to shed the unwanted fat and get insanely fit. However, because of its extreme nature, this style of training is not suitable for some people.

Below you’ll find a list of questions that you will want to ask yourself before you embark on HIIT regimen. If your answer is no to any of the questions below, HIIT will not be for you.

1. Have you been cleared by your doctor?

It goes without saying that if you’re going to begin on a new exercise regimen, it’s best to get in touch with your doctor and talk about it. You may have certain medical conditions that make HIIT workouts hazardous to your health. It’s always best to speak to your doctor first so you don’t do any damage to your body that doesn’t need to be there.

2. Do you have any existing/past injuries?

If you have injuries from the past or even today that will get worse from hard training, HIIT will not be something in your future to incorporate in your fitness journey. For example, if you have bad knees, sprinting repeatedly is only going to inflame your knees and put you out of commission the next day.

You need to know how your body works and if there are any discrepancies that can alter in a negative way, you'll need to stay clear. You can always go through a fitness regimen to lose weight and get fit without aggravating your health issues, but it will be a different route.

3. Have you experienced chest pain?

This is a HUGE problem. If you have chest pain every now and then, HIIT will definitely not be or work for you. The exertion and panting will wreak havoc on your breathing and cardiovascular system.

Someone without chest pain may only feel exhausted. However, someone with other conditions may feel breathless and even collapse. There have been people who have died due to excessive training.

4. Do you have blood pressure problems or a heart condition?

Once again, having these 2 health issues, chest pains or high blood pressure, will mean that HIIT is not suitable for you. This is especially true if you’re on medication that your doctor prescribed to treat these conditions. While studies have shown that HIIT can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the risks are still too high to take any chance or risks.

You’re better off with moderate intensity cardio and weight training. Nobody needs to put that much pressure on themselves to do HIIT to lose weight or even get fit for that matter. You can easily achieve both goals with a sensible raw food diet and training program.

People usually do HIIT to accelerate their progress and see results faster. But if your health conditions prevent you from adopting this protocol, you’re not lost. You still have options that will take you to your goals. 

They may take you a little longer, but you’ll be far better/safe… and you’ll reach your destination with no issues.

5. Do you have dizziness, balance problems, etc.?

If you suffer from vertigo or you’ve been known to get dizzy or even faint occasionally, HIIT is not for you. High intensity training requires you to be fast, fit and coordinated.

Balance and full alertness are to be expected when incorporating HIIT. The goal is maximum effort. Most HIIT athletes don’t even need to give dizziness and balance issues a second thought because they know that don't have that stopping them. They’re focused on expending all their effort on doing the most reps as they can.

If you’re worried about getting dizzy, or if hard workouts make you feel light headed and bring you down, you’re better off with cardio that’s moderate and manageable.

Finally, if you know of any other reasons why HIIT is not a good fit for you, trust your instincts and avoid it. HIIT is great for many people, but it’s dangerous to some when there are medical issues. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and check the box no and find a better way to exercise.