Spreading HIIT volume

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Barbell Medicine fam,

I understand this was addressed:

https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/forums/training-q-a-with-dr-jordan-feigenbaum-and-dr-austin-baraki/64888-splitting-hiit-throughout-the-week

just wanted to take it a bit further

  1. Volume is about to double for HIIT (via extra day) per the PB II program, so now it’s twice a week. I figure since its going to be increased in frequency, I’d like to spread the HIIT volume over 3, or even 4 sessions, but in smaller doses if that doesn’t take away from the “intended purpose” of HIIT that you program it for? Ex: Am I losing anything by performing 5 @10rpe intervals four times a week vs 10 intervals twice imes a week?

  2. Extending further, if I perform a round or two of HIIT pre or post training, would these smaller intervals rounds even contribute to the adaption that HIIT is intended for, and may I count them towards the total amount of HIIT prescribed?

Thanks!

2

Monster,

  1. I don’t think it really is going to make a big difference, though the data on this conditioning frequency w/ maintained volume isn’t super robust.

  2. Not sure, but for health I’d keep bouts to ~ 5 minutes at the shortest.

-Jordan

3

Thank you coach!