Integrating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) into the School Setting: Benefits, Criticisms, and Recommendations

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of interval training that alternates periods of high-intensity activity with periods of low-intensity activity or rest. HIIT has consistently ranked in the top five fitness trends around the globe and has gained popularity as a time-efficient form of exercise. School-based HIIT has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing youth physical activity (PA), driven by a growing recognition of HIIT as a health promotion tool. This chapter aims to comprehensively outline the advantages, criticisms, and recommendations for integrating HIIT into school settings. Initially, we discuss the criticism of HIIT as a public health approach and underscore the pivotal role of schools in its promotion. The chapter then discusses the effectiveness of HIIT on a range of physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes among children and adolescents. The following section then provides an overview of a conceptual model to assist in scaling up HIIT programs for broader population health benefits. The final section of this chapter addresses potential limitations of school-based HIIT interventions and offers evidence-based recommendations to incorporate HIIT as part of a smorgasbord of PA offerings in schools.