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How do I combine HIIT and LISS?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 14, 2026

“If you want to maximise fat loss, then it's quite well known in the fitness industry that doing both (HIIT first then LISS straight after) is better than just doing one or the other. So HIIT for 30 minutes then 30 minutes LISS. If you do this daily, you will look more toned and firmer in just 7 days.”

Should you do LISS and HIIT?

While HIIT is ultimately more effective at burning fat, there is a catch. HIIT takes a lot more energy (calories) and requires more recovery time than steady state cardio. If your goal is muscle growth, LISS will usually be a better option.

Can I combine HIIT with other workouts?

Yes, you can do both weight training and HIIT on the same day. Most individuals who do so perform two separate training sessions on the same day to allow for recovery between sessions. If you choose to perform both in the same session, whichever is trained may not be trained to the same level of intensity.

What exercises combine with HIIT?

Adding Weights to a HIIT Workout

For those who focus more on cardio, start with a standard HIIT workout and add in elements of strength training. One way to do this is to do some strength moves during the recovery periods. For instance, follow an intense interval of burpees with a set of bent over rows or triceps dips.

How do you combine HIIT and steady state cardio?

How to Put This Strategy Into Action. Do at least 20 minutes of steady-state cardio after your intervals. The intervals could be anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Here are a few examples: If you've got 30 minutes to do cardio, try 10 minutes of HIIT followed by 20 minutes of SSC.

32 related questions found

Can I do LISS after HIIT?

"In fact, doing LISS after a workout session based on HIIT is a great way to break up the triglyceride bonds within more stubborn adipose tissue (the hard-to-burn fat)." The added benefit is you're less likely to get bored of doing the same old routine in the gym, which sounds very much like a win to us.

Is it better to do HIIT or cardio first?

The short answer that everyone is looking for can be condensed. If you want to build muscle, run first. If you want to build your endurance and aerobic capacity, run last. Essentially, your body's adaptive response is greater for the type of exercise that you finish your workout doing.

How do you combine HIIT and weight training?

How to Combine HIIT and Strength Training Routines

  1. Take shorter rests. The goal of HIIT is to elevate your heart rate quickly. ...
  2. Add cardio between sets. If shortening your rests isn't doing it for you, go a step further and turn those rests into cardio sets. ...
  3. Use movement patterns. ...
  4. Do weighted movements.

What is better for weight loss HIIT or weights?

Ashley Kelly a NASM-certified personal trainer and an Olympian in track and field, said that on its own, HIIT is more effective for fat burn than straight weightlifting. "HIIT increases and decreases the heart rate during the workout, helping you to maximize the number of calories you burn," she told POPSUGAR.

How many rounds of the HIIT should you typically do when mixing with weight training?

A HIIT workout typically includes there will be anywhere from five to eight rounds. During the intense portion of the workout, the goal is to meet the max effort that your body can safely take. This helps your body switch to an anaerobic (without oxygen) state which results in fat burn.

Should you mix cardio and weight training?

Weights versus Cardio: Keep Them Separate or Combine? Doing a combination of both cardio and weight training is the best way to increase health markers. However, research shows that if you want to get stronger, you should separate your cardio and strength workouts by more than six hours.

Does HIIT burn more fat than regular cardio?

Steady-state cardio is aerobic: It requires oxygen and is fueled mostly by stored fat. HIIT, by contrast, is anaerobic: The work intervals don't rely exclusively on oxygen, and are fueled mostly by stored carbohydrates. (Counterintuitively, HIIT makes you breathe harder, and burns more fat, than steady-state cardio.

Is HIIT good for fat loss?

One of the many reasons why HIIT workouts are so popular is because they're extremely effective for weight loss. When trying to lose weight, you want to burn fat and build lean muscle to continue to burn more fat. HIIT forces your body to use energy from fat as opposed to carbs. This makes losing fat more efficiently.

Why HIIT is not better for fat loss?

To improve body composition, it comes down to diet and strength training. If fat loss is your goal, HIIT isn't a prerequisite. "You need to be at a slight energy deficit and strength training to maintain muscle mass while losing body fat," Worthington said. "Going to a HIIT class will not improve your body composition.

How many calories does 30 mins LISS burn?

Calories burned during exercise is directly proportional to the intensity of the exercise. As an example, let's compare 20 minutes of HIIT with 30 minutes of LISS. In this case, both workouts burn 300 calories (20 minutes x 15 calories per minute = 300 calories and 30 minutes x 10 calories per minute = 300 calories).

How many calories do you burn doing 30 mins of HIIT?

A HIIT workout is a special way of training that uses a time interval. You alternate short rest periods with short intensive exercise time. With a 30-minute HIIT workout, you burn about 290 calories.

How do you lose belly fat?

19 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat (Backed by Science)

  1. Eat plenty of soluble fiber. ...
  2. Avoid foods that contain trans fats. ...
  3. Don't drink too much alcohol. ...
  4. Eat a high protein diet. ...
  5. Reduce your stress levels. ...
  6. Don't eat a lot of sugary foods. ...
  7. Do aerobic exercise (cardio) ...
  8. Cut back on carbs — especially refined carbs.

Can I do HIIT everyday?

HIIT is a great, safe, and effective workout, but there's no need to do it every day. Keep it to three times per week. You'll still reap the benefits and give your body time to recover properly.

What is the best exercise to lose weight?

The 8 Best Exercises for Weight Loss

  1. Walking. Walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss — and for good reason. ...
  2. Jogging or running. Jogging and running are great exercises to help you lose weight. ...
  3. Cycling. ...
  4. Weight training. ...
  5. Interval training. ...
  6. Swimming. ...
  7. Yoga. ...
  8. Pilates.

Is it OK to do weights and cardio on the same day?

The researchers who performed this study also stated that daily training without a recovery period between sessions (or training twice a day) is not optimal for neuromuscular and aerobic improvements. So ideally, if you want to get stronger, you should separate your cardio and strength workouts by more than six hours.

How long after starting HIIT do you see results?

If you are looking to increase cardiovascular fitness and VO2 max, HIIT can offer results in 6-8 weeks. If you are looking to lose fat using HIIT, the results are 100% dependent on your ability to place yourself in a calorie deficit, which HIIT can help with, but is not the only factor involved in weight loss.

Can I do HIIT on my rest days?

If done regularly, HIIT will help you lose weight and build muscles. Although it's an efficient mode of workout when it comes to achieving quick results, overdoing cardio and HIIT or doing it on rest days can prove to be a double headed sword. It can both harm and benefit you.

How long should HIIT intervals be for fat loss?

I've found that the sweet spot is somewhere in the 20-30 minute range. If your workout lasts any more than 30-minutes, you're probably not working hard enough to optimize the benefits of HIIT.

Should you walk after a HIIT workout?

Physical recovery: The best thing you can do after a HIIT workout is to keep moving -- slowly. A few minutes of walking or slow cycling gives your heart a smoother transition from work to rest and keeps your blood flowing, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to your fatigued muscles.

Can I do LISS everyday?

If you are new to exercise, be sure speak to your general practitioner and to take it easy when starting out. Having said that, you can absolutely do LISS every day. That is one of the beautiful things about LISS cardio! You don't need a lot of recovery time to engage in this activity.