Beginners Workout Series: Hardcore Overload

Trying Hardcore Overload for the first time, Weng Hong Yee, a 29-year-old design architect, was not sure what to expect. “Usually at the gym, I only perform the basic exercise routines that are focused on specific parts of the body like my arms and legs. I felt like I needed a more holistic workout experience, so a friend recommended trying something more adventurous like Hardcore Overload.”

Offered exclusively at Fitness First, this high intensity interval session is your answer to rapid burning of calories during and after the session. Fast paced and sure to leave your heart pounding in just 30-minutes, Hardcore Overload alternates between intense bursts of activities combining weight lifting, explosive bodyweight movements with jumps, squats, push-ups, sprints and more.

“Alternating between the exercises was exhausting, but it was definitely a great workout session for me. You could feel that rush of adrenaline trying out the different kinds of exercise activities,” shares Yee. “It was also a great learning experience as I never knew you could perform all these different workouts in one go!”

“The most exciting part of this workout was performing the exercises in a group with the coach. Watching others doing these challenging exercises with you and having a coach guide you through, really kept me motivated. If I had to do it by myself, I surely would have given up.” 

“In just 30 minutes the session includes a range of around 7 different exercises!” explains Yee, “And you only get 20 to 30-seconds break in between the exercises, which is really challenging because as soon as you manage to catch your breath after the first activity, you’re already on to the next. The quick changes in the workout really shock your muscles and keeps you going.”

“This workout is great for those who want quick fitness results, like wanting to lose weight fast or for people like me, who want to build their muscles,” says Yee.

There is truth in this statement as research has found that HIIT burns 25-30% more calories than other forms of exercises in a shorter time. Due to the intensity of the workout, HIIT can even elevate your metabolism for hours after exercise. This results in additional calories being burned even after you have finished exercising.

In addition to increased fat burning and more muscle preserved, HIIT stimulates production of your human growth hormone (HGH) by up to 450 percent during the 24 hours after you finish your workout.

“Even after the first class, I could already feel the improvement in my muscles and stamina. I will definitely take on this challenge again!” answers Yee.