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High Intensity Weight TrainingHigh Intensity Weight Training, also called “High Intensity Training” or HIT, is a type of strength training that implements a low-rep, high-weight lifting regimen intended to push the body into momentary muscular failure in order to create large amounts of muscle mass in a short amount of time. In weightlifting, muscular failure refers to the point at which an individual can no longer complete one lift (or rep) due to muscle exhaustion. Although the invention of the HIT system has been widely debated, it was made famous in the 1970’s through its popularity with Arthur Jones, founder of the Nautilus brand of fitness products. Its actual effectiveness is still a point of contention among wellness experts. HIT claims to work by focusing on one or two of the body’s muscle groups using the maximum amount of weight the individual is able to lift, and requires both a slow lift and slow release of the weight to maximize muscle strain (as opposed to a “clean and jerk,” in which the weightlifter attempts to lift a barbell over his head as quickly as possible.) The lowering of the weight is called a “negative rep,” while the act of holding the weight in a stationary position and squeezing it is a “full contraction.” A one second rest period between each lift makes up the final component of a single HIT rep. Muscle failure is only achieved when none of these actions can be completed by the lifter, and at that point a HIT exercise session is considered complete. Related InformationCircuit Weight Training High Rep Low Weight Training 
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