Road Warrior Moves: Natacha Oceane HIITs HARD!
HIIT has become a popular go-to for most fitness enthusiasts, and many frequent travelers have embraced its fat burning and time saving powers. However, it’s easy to get stuck in a HIIT rut, and the usual moves will only get you so far.
One of my new year’s goals is to really challenge myself with tougher HIIT workouts, and English fitness expert Natacha Oceane’s HIIT routines hit the spot (pun intended)! I love them because they’re equal parts challenging, graceful, and functional. Oceane’s Instagram page offers up a ton of HIIT varieties, making boredom impossible.
I walked into the gym on Jan. 2 and after trying just one of her HIIT workouts, this cardio queen was gasping for air and feeling my muscles in a new way. Here’s just a sampling of some of the moves I’ve tried the past couple of weeks. (For you Instagram novices, just swipe left on your phone or hit the right arrow on your screen to find the indicated move number).
Abducting Fast Feet (Move #4): This one reminds me of my junior varsity volleyball coach’s favorite torture device — minus the resistance bands. After just three 30-second reps I felt this one in my quads and glutes for DAYS. This is an ideal move for runners who are looking for opportunities to work those side glutes and fast-twitch muscles.
Forward drop-squats with extension (Move #3): The look on Oceane’s face says it all! Make sure you start with a lighter plate — you can always increase your weight as you adjust to the power.
Corkscrew (Move #3): As a balance-challenged person, I love this graceful and tough movement. Start slow so you don’t fall or accidentally kick your shins. (Yes, I have the giant bruise to prove the latter is possible. Again, balance-challenged!) Once you ramp up the speed, you’ll definitely be breathless and ready for the stop watch to reach zero!
Lunge to Knee Drive (Move #4): This one requires a little focus and balance, but it’s an excellent leg burner once you get used to it.
Lateral bound to curtsy lunge (Move #5): I typically end my workout with this one. I love speed skaters generally, but the curtsy lunge gives the side glutes an extra push. Be sure to make your leaps large and far apart— this is where your heart rate starts to work HARD.
Per Oceane’s instructions, you can do these moves two or three times for 30 seconds each with 30 seconds of rest between. I also like to work these into my “rest” periods between weight lifting sets to keep my heart rate up.
Got a tough HIIT move you love to use on the road? Share it in the comments- we love a challenge!
