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What happens in a Hitt class with Nikki? When I first took part in Hitt classes, it took all my courage to go along. I was in my mid forties and had an image that I wouldn’t be able to do the exercises or would end up making a fool of myself. But I was happily surprised that I kept up and I have ‘enjoyed’ taking part ever since. There was a mixture of people of all ages including over 50’s. My Pilates knowledge also helped me more than I had expected. I plan my classes to include as many people as possible. The Hitt section works on raising your heart rate to its upper level, for short bursts and then resting but not fully recovering. A typical example would be 30 seconds work 30 seconds rest. The exercises can vary from squats, running or marching on the spot and sideways lunges, bridging ,all fours /pinpoint or plank ,for example. The idea is to work the whole body. The style ranges from performing one exercise with rest or adding two or three exercises together making the work time longer and the rest shorter. It can vary from 30secs to 2mins, followed by a rest period of equal or less time, and then repeat. The 30 seconds of time is where you work to your maximim which means you push yourself as hard as you can. I also use this style,for example, 10 pinpoint, 8 squats, 6 bridges, 4 side bridges and 2 side lunges, in a set time, for example 5 mins, to complete as many of the circuit exercises as possible. It will be hot and sweaty and can be adapted if you are unable to do a certain type of exercise. I will need to know of any injuries and medical conditions in advance of the class, as it will not be suitable for some clients. The session will finish with some stretching.The class lasts for 30 mins ,with a 5 min warm up ,20 mins HITT and 5 min cool down. If you have read this far, you might be thinking that you recognise some of the exercises…. The principles of pilates adapt extremely well and I feel, helps the quality of the exercises performed. As an instructor, I often reference Pilates teaching points. It’s not necessary to have attended Pilates,though. Here are some frequently asked questions and reasons I hear for not coming. What about my pelvic floor when jumping and running ? I already give alternatives in my Pilates classes ,which I carry into HITT. No need to run , a big march will raise your heart rate too.If you have had surgery or an un repaired prolapse, you may need to avoid deep squats and certain other exercises. However, I can find you an alternative. You will be moving your body daily and we can mimic those exercises to raise the heart rate. I can chat to you about your individual situation and advise accordingly. But I am too old for that and I might damage my joints. Advertisement Privacy Settings Load bearing exercises are needed to maintain the health and integrity of the joints .Load bearing is best described as putting your bones and the supporting muscles, under an increased stress to create new cells. For example, walking, bending to get in and out of a chair, single leg balances . There is load if you stand on one leg and also if you hop on the leg.The amount of load will differ but it is there . You choose what you can manage, maintain or, in time increase the range of movement . Pushing your heart rate can help keep it healthy If I have tempted you to try a class, please do get in touch. I can do them as a one to one session ,if you are unsure .