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Treadmill HIIT for High-Functioning CR Patients

Supervised treadmill interval training for high-functioning Phase 3 cardiac rehab patients, building advanced cardiovascular endurance through HIIT.

Cardiac rehab
Increase endurance
Cardiovascular health
Adults
Treadmill HIIT for High-Functioning CR Patients

This program is designed for Phase 3 (maintenance) cardiac rehab patients with a high functional level and low risk, tailored for adults (18-65) ready for advanced training. It focuses on interval training to sustain cardiovascular fitness, using a treadmill at an advanced progression level. Delivered in an in-clinic/supervised setting, it enhances endurance through intense treadmill intervals under supervision.

RPE: 11-13 to 15-17, HRR: 60-70% to 70-80%, Frequency: 3 sessions/week, Duration: 20-35 min.

Treadmill
Increase endurance, Cardiovascular health

Exercise program details

Breakdown and suggested frequency:

Weeks 1-2
Introduce HIIT with shorter work intervals (60s) and longer recovery (3 min) to build tolerance.

  • Intensity: Moderate-to-somewhat hard (RPE 11-13, ~60-70% HRR)
  • Duration: ~20-25 minutes total
  • Suggested schedule:
    • Mon: P3 Wk1-2: Easy HIIT Start; 3 Intervals
    • Wed: P3 WK1-2: Steady HIIT Base; 4 Intervals
    • Fri: P3 Wk1-2: Gentle HIIT Build; 4 Intervals

Weeks 3-4
Increase work duration (90s) and maintain recovery (3 min) to enhance aerobic capacity.

  • Intensity: Somewhat hard-to-hard (RPE 13-15, ~70-80% HRR)
  • Duration: ~25-30 minutes total
  • Suggested schedule:
    • Mon: P3 Wk3-4: Moderate HIIT Push; 3 Intervals
    • Wed: P3 WK3-4: HIIT Endurance Base; 4 Intervals
    • Fri: P3 Wk3-4: Strong HIIT Build; 3 Intervals

Weeks 5-6
Peak intensity with longer work (2 min) and shorter recovery (2 min) for maximum conditioning.

  • Intensity: Hard-to-Very hard (RPE 15-17, ~70-80% HRR)
  • Duration: ~30-35 minutes total
  • Suggested schedule:
    • Mon/Fri: P3 Wk5-6: Intense HIIT Boost; 3 Intervals
    • Wed: P3 WK5-6: Powerful HIIT Build; 4 Intervals

Weeks 7+
Maintain peak fitness (2 min work/2 min recovery), refine endurance, and add variety (e.g., incline adjustments).

  • Intensity: Hard-to-Very hard (RPE 15-17, ~70-80% HRR)
  • Duration: ~30-35 minutes total
  • Suggested schedule:
    • Mon: P3 Wk7+: Sustained HIIT Power; 3 Intervals
    • Wed: P3 Wk7+: Advanced HIIT Endurance; 4 Intervals
    • Fri: P3 Wk7+: Confident HIIT Peak; 4 Intervals

 

Design Rationale and Notes

  • Alignment with AACVPR/ACSM Guidelines: This Phase 3 program aligns with maintenance standards for high-functioning patients, progressing from RPE 11-13 and HRR 60-70% (Weeks 1-2) to RPE 15-17 and HRR 70-80% (Weeks 5-6+). Frequency (3 sessions/week) allows sufficient recovery while promoting progression. Duration (20-35 min, including 15-25 min HIIT) fits aerobic conditioning goals (20-40 min), with 5-min warm-ups (RPE 9-11) and 5-min cool-downs plus a 4-min stretch routine (RPE 8-9) meeting prep/recovery norms.
  • Program Breakdown Adherence: Weeks 1-2 use short intervals (60s work/3 min recovery), Weeks 3-4 increase to moderate intervals (90s work/3 min recovery), Weeks 5-6 progresses to 2 min work/2 min recovery, and Weeks 7+ sustain intervals at 2 min work/2 min recovery with optional incline or slight duration adjustments while maintaining treadmill focus for Phase 3 endurance.
  • Optimal Number of Workouts: Three treadmill-based workouts per block (warm-up, HIIT, cool-down) provide variety and intensity suited to HIIT, with a separate stretch routine ensuring lower-body recovery, keeping total duration within guideline limits.
🫀 This cardiac rehabilitation program was developed in alignment with current evidence-based guidelines from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). To ensure clinical accuracy, safety, and effectiveness, the program was rigorously vetted and peer-reviewed by two certified cardiac rehabilitation clinicians:

  • Manshi Patel, MS, ACSM-CEP
  • Malloree Rice, MS, ACSM-CEP, FCEPA

Disclaimer: Clinicians should review this program carefully to ensure its appropriateness and safety for each individual patient before assigning it.

Updated Apr 10, 2025

Preview the 12 workouts
Fully preview all of the workouts in this exercise program before adding it to your Train account
P3 Wk1-2: Easy HIIT Start
P3 Wk1-2: Easy HIIT Start 26 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk1-2: Steady HIIT Base
P3 Wk1-2: Steady HIIT Base 26 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk1-2: Gentle HIIT Build
P3 Wk1-2: Gentle HIIT Build 31 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk3-4: Moderate HIIT Push
P3 Wk3-4: Moderate HIIT Push 26 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk3-4: HIIT Endurance Base
P3 Wk3-4: HIIT Endurance Base 31 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk3-4: Strong HIIT Build
P3 Wk3-4: Strong HIIT Build 31 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk5-6: Intense HIIT Boost
P3 Wk5-6: Intense HIIT Boost 31 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk5-6: Powerful HIIT Build
P3 Wk5-6: Powerful HIIT Build 36 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk7+: Sustained HIIT Power
P3 Wk7+: Sustained HIIT Power 36 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk7+: Advanced HIIT Endurance
P3 Wk7+: Advanced HIIT Endurance 31 min · Cardio, Legs
P3 Wk7+: Confident HIIT Peak
P3 Wk7+: Confident HIIT Peak 36 min · Cardio, Legs
Lower Body Cool Down Stretches
Lower Body Cool Down Stretches 5 min · Legs
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