Hey all. It's been suggested to me to start some HIIT, so I definately want to try it. I read up on it, and found an 8 week program (http://www.musclemedia.com/training/hiit_table.asp). However, everything I've read has suggested using a stationary bike or running/sprinting as my medium. Running is NOT an option for me, as I despise it. I love to bike, the only problem is unless I'm going on a steep uphill, I can pedal fast on the highest gear without much fatigue. Im thinking if I go to one of the short hills I know, I can ascend on it as my "sprint" session, and ride around on a high gear as my "jog" session. Will going up a hill have the same effect on me that a sprint session on a stationary bike or running may have? If not, any suggestions? Has anyone else ever used a moving bike for HIIT?

It should have the desired effect, but to know for certain, you need a heart rate monitor.

Do I really need a heart rate monitor? From what I read, it said I could just go "as hard as possible" for my sprint session. I know I'll be breathing hard when I do that 30 second interval. Will going my hardest be good enough?

Musclemedia.....that silly mag is still around.....just kidding

HIIT is a killer way to get your energy systems up to par and learn how to initiate plyo movements.
Sprinting (in my humble opinion) is the best way to handle this. Nothing is harder than 40-50 yard dashes on a grass field and walking or jogging back to the start position.
Heart monitor is alright, but it is decieving if you are interested in how many calories are being burned. No you don't need one, but it would be nice.
You can get pretty creative with this HIIT (and it doesn't have to always be 30sec sprints):
- bike
- sprint
- plyo movements
- whatever

Take the info from mags like musclemedia with a grain of salt.

Um, the calories burned is secondary. Since the characteristics that define HIIT are based on heartrate.

But I did say " for certain," so if a person is willing to deal with uncertainty and best guesses, that's fine, but they may not get the desired results.