What’s the Best Exercise for Weight Loss? Why HIIT Might Be Your Best Bet.
When it comes to weight loss, there's no shortage of options. From running and cycling to strength training and Pilates, each form of exercise offers unique benefits. But at Peak Physique, we've seen one method consistently stand out when it comes to
burning fat, building strength, and saving time:
High-Intensity Interval Training, or
HIIT.
Here’s how HIIT compares to other popular workouts and why it might be the right choice for your fitness journey.
Why Exercise Matters for Weight Loss
Exercise plays a critical role in creating a calorie deficit—burning more calories than you consume. But not all workouts are equally efficient at achieving that. The key is finding a style of training that not only torches calories during the session but keeps your metabolism working long after it's over.That’s where HIIT shines.
HIIT: Short Bursts, Big Results
HIIT involves alternating between periods of maximum effort and active recovery. For example, sprinting for 30 seconds and walking for one minute, repeated for several rounds. At Peak Physique, we offer
structured 60-minute HIIT classes that blend cardio and strength intervals to keep your heart rate up and your muscles working.
What makes HIIT so effective?
- Burns more calories in less time compared to steady-state cardio
- Triggers the afterburn effect (EPOC), meaning your body keeps burning calories for hours after your workout
- Improves both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, helping you lose fat while building endurance and strength
- Highly adaptable — suitable for beginners and advanced athletes alike
It’s the perfect combination for anyone looking to lose weight while building lean muscle.
Strength Training: The Long Game
Strength training is another powerful tool for weight loss. It might not burn as many calories per session as HIIT, but it increases muscle mass, which boosts your resting metabolic rate over time. In other words, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest.
At Peak Physique, our HIIT classes often incorporate strength movements like squats, push-ups, or kettlebell work — giving you the benefits of resistance training in a fat-burning format.
Walking and Steady-State Cardio: Great, But Slower
Walking, jogging, or cycling at a moderate pace is easy on the joints and great for beginners. It helps improve cardiovascular health and supports overall calorie burn — but you need longer sessions to match the impact of shorter HIIT workouts.
These can be a solid addition to your routine, but if you want
faster fat loss, HIIT is a more time-efficient solution.
Pilates and Yoga: Mindful, but Not Major Calorie Burners
Pilates and yoga offer benefits like improved flexibility, core strength, and posture — but they’re not the most efficient ways to lose weight on their own. They typically burn fewer calories and don’t raise your heart rate significantly unless performed at a high intensity or paired with cardio.
They’re excellent for recovery, mobility, and mental health, and can complement a HIIT routine — but they’re not standalone weight-loss strategies.
Why HIIT at Peak Physique Is Different
We’ve taken the science of HIIT and built a supportive, coach-led experience that makes every session count. Our 60-minute HIIT classes in
Fridley and St. Cloud combine high-intensity circuits with purposeful recovery to help you push limits safely.
You’ll get:
- Professional guidance and form coaching
- A motivating group environment
- Classes tailored to all fitness levels
- Tools for tracking progress via the Peak Physique app
Whether you’re new to fitness or ready to level up, our HIIT program is designed to help you burn fat, gain confidence, and stay consistent.
Ready to Get Started?
Weight loss doesn’t have to mean spending hours on a treadmill. With HIIT at Peak Physique, you’ll maximize results in just three to four sessions a week — and you’ll feel stronger, more energized, and more in control of your health.
Join us in Fridley or St. Cloud and experience the difference for yourself.
