The Science of HIIT
Why Power-Based Cardio Outperforms Traditional Cardio
For decades, cardio was seen as steady-state workouts on treadmills or bikes. But HIIT, especially power-based cardio, is transforming fat loss, endurance, and gym design.
Members want workouts that are fast, functional, and effective. Power-based HIIT, featured in The Abs Company’s Shred Zone™, is becoming the top cardio choice for results-driven gyms.
Why Traditional Cardio Is Losing Steam
Steady-state cardio improves endurance but plateaus calorie burn and lacks muscular activation, becoming uninspiring for members.
- Metabolic demand plateaus after heart rate stabilizes.
- Limited muscle engagement.
- Repetitive and boring, leading to poor retention.
Members now crave short, high-impact sessions that challenge and reward them. HIIT delivers this effectively.
What Makes HIIT So Effective
HIIT alternates near-max effort bursts with short recoveries. This burns more calories faster and increases afterburn (EPOC), boosting aerobic capacity and muscular endurance.
Introducing Power-Based Cardio
Power-based cardio adds force generation and resistance to HIIT. Instead of passive cycling, members push, pull, and sprint for full-body strength, power, and core stability.
The Shred Zone™ combines key machines delivering high-intensity workouts without electricity or turf:
- TireFlip 180®: Safe, space-efficient tire-flipping for raw power and excitement.
- SledMill®: Magnetic-resistance treadmill-style sled push targeting legs, glutes, and cardio.
- aTAC™ AirBike: Upper and lower body resistance for total-body HIIT cardio.
The Science Behind Power-Based HIIT
- Aerobic demand: Elevates heart rate for cardiovascular endurance.
- Anaerobic effort: Max intensity bursts recruit fast-twitch muscles.
- Metabolic conditioning: Continued calorie burn post-workout.
A Smarter Use of Space
The Shred Zone™ fits in as little as 300 sq. ft., supporting simultaneous users and group training, enabling scalable, instructor-led, and efficient workouts.
The Member Experience
HIIT and power-based cardio appeal to all levels. The dynamic environment and social media shareability create motivation and free gym marketing.
Retention Through Results
Members see fast improvements—stronger legs, increased endurance, lower fat—leading to fewer cancellations and stronger brand identity for gyms.
Final Takeaway
Power-based HIIT is a movement revolution, combining strength and fat-burning cardio. TireFlip 180®, SledMill®, and aTAC™ AirBike help gyms maximize results, energy, and engagement with minimal space and cost.