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Library
Cardiac rehab

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.

Phase: III
Functional level: High
Risk: Low
Clinical Review & Alignment

Created and peer-reviewed by practicing cardiac rehab clinicians:

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

Aligned with current evidence-based guidelines from:

AACVPRACSM
Designed as a clinical reference framework. Intensity, volume, and exercise selection should be tailored to individual patient needs.

Program overview

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.

Updated Jun 4, 2026

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Preview the 12 exercise plans
Fully preview all of the exercise plans 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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Cardiac rehab programs are developed in alignment with current AACVPR and ACSM guidance. The goal is to provide structured, evidence-informed foundations that reflect real-world clinical practice.
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