HIIT Fitness

I’ve been regularly going to HIIT for just over a year now. I first heard about HIIT through Groupon when I was searching for fitness classes and decided to give it a try. I had never done anything like it before, and what a great workout! The classes are only half an hour, but half an hour is all you need, and after the workout, you’re glad it’s not longer!
A typical class consists of five fitness stations (these vary each class), and you do each station for a minute, and complete the circuit three times. There’s a warmup at the beginning and a stretch at the end.
The price for one class is between $ 9 and $ 12, depending if you purchase a 5, 10, or 20 class punch card or pay for a single drop-​in, but Tara, the owner, regularly has promos. Between Groupon and the promos, I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price. Also, the first class is FREE.
HIIT operates out of two locations – Mondays and Tuesdays the classes are held at Stretch Studio on Pender Street, and Wednesdays to Fridays at Beatty Street Studios near BC Place Stadium. I’ve been to the Stretch Studios location once, and while it’s a nice space, the location isn’t particularly convenient for me. So I go to the Beatty Street Studios location, and while the location is convenient, it’s unfortunately a very small space, so it feels very cramped with a full class, which is limited to ten people. Also because of the small class size, the classes fill up pretty quickly, so you have to sign up for the classes as soon as registration opens up (a week in advance).
All in all HIIT is a great class, and Tara is very friendly. The only downside is that the space is too small, and it would be great to have HIIT in a larger location.

I thought for a while before deciding to write a review, because last time I did that I started having trouble booking my regular hair colorist due to an increase in demand. In my opinion, this is the best kept secret of vancouver small class group fitness.
Don’t underestimate the short 30 minute sessions. HIIT, when done right, will make you tired, sore, and sweat like crazy within the first 5 minutes. And Tara does it just right. She offers a variety of classes from whole body circuit, upper body, lower body (butt and abs) to bodyweight boot camp.
Pro:
–timing for classes are perfect. At 5:30 and 6pm, I can easily go work out after work, come home to shower and still have plenty of time left over.
–intense cardio.
–friendly instructor
–good for both beginners and people who are looking for a challenge.
–upper body and butt and abs are usually done in partnering style. I like this as people can encourage each other and push our bodies harder.
–my body looks and feels better. I’m still not where I want to be but the shape of my body definitely look more toned
Con:
–not really a con, but Tara teaches at 2 different studios. Monday and Tuesday at Stretch Yoga, and Wednesday and Thursday on Beatty Street. Make sure you know which location it is at before you leave the house. You can find detailed maps on HIIT fitness official website.
–while mats are provided, I suggest bringing your own mat if you are a germaphobe.
Tip: make sure to book ahead online as classes can fill up pretty fast sometimes.

I used to go to a class taught by Tara somewhere else, so I was pleasantly surprised when my Classpass introduced me to HIIT and I saw her there and learned this was her own business.
Having done morning bootcamps with Tara for a few months, I know she’s a great instructor — and I love that she actually works out with you, rather than ‘at’ you. She’s there doing all the same exercises and still manages to encourage you along. She’s great at keeping your spirit up and encouraging you with positivism (some trainers I’ve met have a slightly sadistic streak). I always feel upbeat after her classes and sore the next day — which is exactly what you want from your workout.
I did her 30 minute Butt and Abs work out last week and it was great — just long enough to feel a burn but not too long that I can’t take it — and since I also work out in the mornings, this is absolutely perfect for hitting up on my way home from work.
I even had trouble choosing a class because all of them sounded so awesome! I definitely recommend giving Tara a shot — she knows her stuff and she’s absolutely lovely.

I’ve been to 4 classes now with Tara and highly recommend her.
She currently works in a studio by Davie & Jervis on Wednesday evenings and by BC Place on Thursday & Fridays. Her classes are very convenient as you can finish work, HIIT It and head home for the rest of the evening.
it’s all about quality not quantity, I physically feel that I’ve benefits more in 30 minutes with Tara than I would in 1 hour in my own gym. Typically I like to go the gym in my building and do light cardio for ²⁰⁄₃₀ minutes afterwards so I don’t feel too stiff the next day.
Her class works as a circuit routine, repeated 3 times. Similar to what you would do with a personal trainer. I like that it’s only 30 minutes as you can give your all knowing it’s over in a flash.
The day after a class I’m sore all over, my arms abs and legs are cursing me and I know that I would never push myself as I do in her class.
The trainer, Tara, is really great. She’s funny, laughs easily and encouraging. She isn’t boot camp style yelling at you, but enthusiastic, and she joins in the whole routine if she can as well. She guides you without shaming you in the group environment, she wants you to get the most out of the class, but she wants you to enjoy being there just as much.
The space she uses is practical but basic. I recommend being changed in advance of arrival. Bring water, and a hand towel to mop sweat off yourself too.
The other great part is how CHEAP this is! OK, so it’s only 30 minutes, but for what you gain from it, I think it’s real value for money, her 10 class punch card is only $ 100, or $ 12 to drop in. I only do one class a week although I agree with the other review you would benefit from more if you have the time, or you’re body is stronger than mine and you can take it with a max of a day breather as the classes are only Wednesday/​Thursday/​Friday.