Wyatt

My name is Wyatt Atzhorn and I am currently a Junior at Taylor University studying Marketing with a minor in Christian Ministries. I was homeschooled through high school, and attended multiple homeschool Co-ops. Growing up, I played Football, Baseball, and trained CrossFit on the side. I currently play Rugby at Taylor University as well as train every day for the ultimate goal of competing in powerlifting and bodybuilding in the next couple years. BFT Westfield is my first coaching job, and I have been incredibly blessed by my fellow coaches and the amazing members. Top 5 Questions Wyatt Is Asked #1 - What is HIIT Cardio? HIIT cardio, or High-Intensity Interval Training, is a workout style that alternates short bursts of intense exercise with brief periods of rest or low-intensity movement. These intervals push your heart rate high, helping you burn more calories in less time compared to steady-state cardio. HIIT can be done with running, cycling, rowing, bodyweight exercises, or gym equipment. It improves cardiovascular fitness, boosts metabolism, and increases endurance, making it a fast, efficient way to build overall conditioning. #2 - Can HIIT replace cardio? HIIT can replace traditional cardio for many people, but it depends on your goals and fitness level. Because HIIT combines intense bursts with short recovery periods, it delivers major cardiovascular benefits in less time and can improve endurance, heart health, and calorie burn. However, it’s also more demanding and may not be ideal to perform every day. Steady-state cardio is still valuable for active recovery, building aerobic capacity, and reducing stress. A mix of both often delivers the best results. #3 - How many calories are burned in 30 minutes of HIIT Cardio? In 30 minutes of HIIT cardio, most people burn 250–450 calories, depending on intensity, fitness level, body weight, and the type of exercises used. Because HIIT includes short bursts of all-out effort, it typically burns more calories than steady-state cardio in the same amount of time. It also creates an “afterburn effect,” meaning your body continues burning extra calories for hours after the workout. The harder you push during intervals, the higher your calorie burn will be. #4 - Can I do HIIT Cardio everyday? Doing HIIT cardio every day isn’t recommended because it’s extremely demanding on your muscles, joints, and nervous system. HIIT is designed to be intense, which means your body needs time to recover and rebuild. Most people benefit most from 2–4 HIIT sessions per week, depending on fitness level. Doing it daily can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, or injury. On non-HIIT days, lighter activities like walking, mobility work, or strength training help maintain balance and support recovery. #5 - Does HIIT Cardio build muscle? HIIT cardio can help maintain and slightly build muscle, but it’s not as effective as dedicated strength training. Because HIIT uses explosive, high-intensity movements, like sprints, burpees, or jump squats, it activates fast-twitch muscle fibers, which support power and strength. This can improve muscle tone and preserve lean mass while burning fat. However, to significantly build muscle, you still need progressive resistance training. HIIT works best as a complementary workout that enhances conditioning while supporting overall muscle definition.